Christina School District Debuts New Middle School Orchestra

7th and 8th grade orchestra students from Gauger-Cobbs Middle School, Kirk Middle School, Middle School Honors Academy, Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy, Shue-Medill Middle School, and the Bayard School joined together to put on the first ever-combined orchestra concert on February 1, 2025. While the concert was the culmination of just a few weeks of in-class rehearsals and two evening practices, the students and orchestra teachers made a stunning collaborative debut of the talent in Christina’s Strings Program. In this unique performing opportunity, students worked together as part of a larger ensemble, helping them grow both personally and musically, and showcased how music brings people together. In opening Black History Month, the concert honored the works of famous Black poets by performing musical selections aligned with each poem's artistic spirit. Parents and students alike have shared their excitement and pride about the event. Keene Elementary student, David attended to watch his sister perform; he was proud of his sister and reflected that as a 5th grade student, he was enjoying learning to play the violin and would like to play with other schools in the future. Etienne Seck, a parent shared, "I had the honor to attend the district orchestra event... My son was extremely excited to participate; it was a pleasure to see families, district personnel and students come up with a family driven activity where all stakeholders felt its relevance."

In Christina School District, strings lessons begin in small group instruction in 5th grade, with students continuing in orchestra classes in middle and high school. This journey was highlighted by Christiana High School senior, Son Nguyen, who left the audience in awe with his flawless performance of "Julie-O," a jazz/blues cello solo. In addition to Son, four CHS students also served as volunteers to support the middle school performance: Audry Cha, Clifford Dash, Saige Lee, and Vince Saltenberger. Beyond high school, many students go on to study and participate in music in college and their communities; Christina’s strings program is foundational to this lifelong musical journey. As David Muffley concluded, "We were pleased and proud to see our daughter, Mary Tait (Gauger-Cobbs Orchestra Teacher), directing <in> the performance, achieving such a successful outcome from her own earlier years as a student. Looking about the audience of parents present, we could see that same heartfelt hope we felt then." In exemplifying the theme of legacy, it was fitting that the premier of the district orchestra concert was the finale of the district’s Family Engagement Summit’s Legacy Session; as from beginning musicianship through practice and preparation onto professions in music, the Christina music community celebrates our legacy and expresses continued gratitude for the gift that music education is to our students.