About
What is the String Project?
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln & Lincoln Public Schools String Project is a collaboration between the Glenn Korff School of Music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Lincoln Public Schools. It is an after-school teacher-training program that gives children the opportunity to begin playing a stringed instrument ONE YEAR before they start strings in school (third/fourth grade, or the equivalent in their school). It also affords the same opportunity to students who are home-schooled or who attend private or parochial schools that may not have string programs, as well as students who live in outlying areas. Classes are held in the Fall of 2022 at Prescott Elementary and in the Spring at Park Middle School. NOTE: Each student will attend classes twice weekly--Monday and Wednesday either at 4:30 or 5:30 (each student will attend BOTH DAYS at one of these hours). SECOND YEAR classes are for any student who was in the String Project in Spring 2022 AND for anyone who has completed a year of strings in their school.
Who are the String Project Teachers?
Classes are taught by string students who are pursuing music degrees in the Glenn Korff School of Music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Many of these teachers already have some teaching experience. A number of former University of Nebraska String Project teachers have been highly successful in finding teaching jobs in the schools in Lincoln, Omaha, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nevada, and Illinois. Others have their own private string studios. Additionally, former University of Nebraska String Project students have gone on to pursue music in college, both as music majors and non-majors.
Who is the supervising teacher?
The String Project teachers are supervised by Lead Teacher Sarah Baker, fourth through eighth grade orchestra teacher in Lincoln Public Schools. She earned her undergraduate degree in Music Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Sarah is currently working towards her doctorate in education at Doane University. She loves teaching and is constantly looking for new ideas and strategies to improve the experience of her students.
Who is the director?
Dr. Karen Becker, Founding Director of the University of Nebraska/LPS String Project, is Professor of Cello in the Glenn Korff School of Music at UNL. Her interest in the String Project concept comes from having taught for several years in the University of Texas String Project. She studied cello at the University of Texas with Phyllis Young, renowned string pedagogue and former director of the Texas String Project.
Who provides the instrument?
Each student must provide his/her own instrument; rental is recommended. Student participants should contact one of the local music stores or string shops to inquire about rental fees. NOTE: if your child qualifies for free and reduced lunch through LPS you must send an email to Dr. Becker and include your child’s name and what school they attend, making sure to mention they are in the free or reduced lunch program. Soon after doing so you will receive the Free/Reduced Lunch Registration Form will pay a portion of the registration fee as well as a portion of the instrument rental.
When do classes begin?
First Year Students: all parents and students of first year students must attend the Orientation meeting on Wednesday, Sep. 7. Regular classes begin Monday, Sep. 12, 2022 and will continue every Monday and Wednesday until the concert on Nov. 28th, 2022 (please refer to the "1st Year Student Schedule" and "2nd Year. Student Schedule" for specific dates. Students who enroll must be available to attend classes two days a week: the registration form allows you to indicate whether you are available at either the 4:30-5:20 or 5:30-6:20 class time. NOTE: 2nd year classes meet on Mondays only, 4:30-5:20PM in the fall and both Monday and Wednesday, 4:30-5:20 in the spring semester.
How are decisions made about who is accepted into the String Project?
Students will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis, with a total of 70-80 students in the beginning classes. Once the maximum number are registered the registration will be closed and parents will be notified of their acceptance. NOTE: AS LONG AS THE REGISTRATION LINK IS AVAILABLE, THERE ARE STILL OPENINGS. All 1st year String Project students are encouraged to continue in the program the following year in the 2nd year group, so long as they are participating in their school orchestra program.
If you have any questions regarding the registration/payment process, please contact the UNL/LPS String Project director, Dr. Karen Becker:
E-mail: stringproject@unl.edu