Norwood has always been a happy place of learning filled with art and music, and the Lower School Violin Program has been a signature music program here at Norwood for 22 years running. Hundreds of students have been taught to play the violin during their early years at Norwood, have gone on to play in the Middle School String Orchestra, and continue to play in high school and beyond. We are immensely proud of this proven school-based program.
Children in kindergarten through fourth grade are given the option to add violin studies as a fee-based extracurricular activity. The program incorporates singing, solfege, movement, and music reading. Instruction by three highly experienced violin teachers includes two sessions per week: one one-hour group class, and one weekly private lesson. A student may be offered extra instruction, if needed, at a teacher's discretion.
Students participate in several school performances as a Suzuki-group ensemble and they end the year with a showcase of their accomplishments in a recital for soloists. Past performances have included playing the National Anthem at several University of Maryland basketball games, two NAIS Teacher's Convention, and two past performances at the White House during the annual open house and holiday tour.