The Instrumental Program at Plymouth Meeting Friends School is a comprehensive introduction to both violin and orchestra playing for the beginner to intermediate level student.
The violin program begins as a requirement for all students in their second year of primary (second grade), when they are given weekly group lessons for the first half of the school year, introducing them to the instrument. In this part of the violin program, students learn how to set up and properly hold the violin and bow, as well as posture and balance. Children also learn basic sound production and music theory, as they are taught using both Suzuki and Traditional methods of violin instruction. During the second half of the year, violin lessons become optional. Students who wish to continue violin lessons are split into smaller groups, and they work towards a performance in our annual Instrumental Concert.
In third grade, violin is optional, and children are taught note reading, ensemble/duet playing, and more complex rhythmic skills.
The PMFS Orchestra is open to fourth through sixth graders who are taking outside lessons on any orchestral instrument. There are weekly orchestra rehearsals, and the group performs several pieces at the Instrumental Concert.