STRINGS IN THE DAVIESS COUNTY SCHOOLS
String instruction has been a part of the Daviess County Public Schools curriculum for almost half a century. Begun in 1971 in 2 elementary schools, it has evolved into three classes, one at each grade level, at Burns, College View, and Daviess County Middle Schools, and one each at Apollo and Daviess County High School, serving grades 6-12.
In conjunction with the Owensboro Symphony, every 5th grader in our district takes part in a 2-3 day hands-on violin-playing workshop called “Strings Attached”. Middle school Orchestra classes are taught by string specialists Mrs. Karen Higdon, Mr. Greg Olson, Mr. Lee Davidson, and Mrs. Kelsey Davidson, who also teaches at Apollo HS. At Daviess County HS, Mrs. Higdon is assisted by Mr. Nathan Clark.
Students perform in KMEA sponsored Solo and Ensemble and Large Ensemble Festivals, community events, and school concerts. College/university professors and symphony conductors come to school to work with students each year. Students have toured and recorded at professional recording studios. The orchestra has performed with national string artists such as Mark Wood, founding member of the Trans-Syberian Orchestra, and fiddler Jay Ungar.
Senior members complete a Senior Project as part of their final year in Orchestra. Among other creative endeavors, students have directed the orchestra in televised concerts, composed a piece for and/or performed a solo with the orchestra, and taught the class about various topics using technology.
Over the years, students have traveled to St. Louis, University of Illinois, Cincinnati, Paris, TN, Nashville, Bloomington, Chicago, and other cities for festivals, symphony concerts, college visits, tours of instrument workshops and museums. Many students participate in the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestras and KY All-State Orchestras, and some have subbed with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. Students perform as members of small ensembles for community events, weddings, and receptions. Several former members of DCPS orchestras have gone into music careers as performers, teachers, music therapists, and recording engineers.
In conjunction with the Owensboro Symphony, every 5th grader in our district takes part in a 2-3 day hands-on violin-playing workshop called “Strings Attached”. Middle school Orchestra classes are taught by string specialists Mrs. Karen Higdon, Mr. Greg Olson, Mr. Lee Davidson, and Mrs. Kelsey Davidson, who also teaches at Apollo HS. At Daviess County HS, Mrs. Higdon is assisted by Mr. Nathan Clark.
Students perform in KMEA sponsored Solo and Ensemble and Large Ensemble Festivals, community events, and school concerts. College/university professors and symphony conductors come to school to work with students each year. Students have toured and recorded at professional recording studios. The orchestra has performed with national string artists such as Mark Wood, founding member of the Trans-Syberian Orchestra, and fiddler Jay Ungar.
Senior members complete a Senior Project as part of their final year in Orchestra. Among other creative endeavors, students have directed the orchestra in televised concerts, composed a piece for and/or performed a solo with the orchestra, and taught the class about various topics using technology.
Over the years, students have traveled to St. Louis, University of Illinois, Cincinnati, Paris, TN, Nashville, Bloomington, Chicago, and other cities for festivals, symphony concerts, college visits, tours of instrument workshops and museums. Many students participate in the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestras and KY All-State Orchestras, and some have subbed with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. Students perform as members of small ensembles for community events, weddings, and receptions. Several former members of DCPS orchestras have gone into music careers as performers, teachers, music therapists, and recording engineers.