Registration
2022-2023 Program Parent/Guardian Information Sheet
The Gratiot String Association seeks to provide quality string instruction for all area students, with opportunities for growth as young musicians.
The Gratiot String Association offers string instruction in violin, viola, and cello to students in grades 4-12. GSA is a volunteer-run, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public charity. Student tuition is the largest part of revenue for the program, with remaining revenue coming from fundraising, tax-deductible donations, and grants, including from the Gratiot County Community Foundation, the Pine River Arts Council, and others. Families may be asked during the year to help with fundraising and other tasks necessary for the functioning of the program.
Rehearsal Times
| Group | Instructor | Meeting times | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sinfonia I* (beginner) | Ms. Faith Chaffee | Starting October 11, 2022: Tuesday - Thursday, 5pm - 5:45pm | Alma First Presbyterian Church (495 Charles Ave. & Superior St.) | |
| Sinfonia II | Ms. Faith Chaffee | Starting October 4, 2022: Tuesday - Thursday, 4:15pm - 5pm | Alma First Presbyterian Church (495 Charles Ave. & Superior St.) | |
| Sinfonia III-IV (intermediate) | Ms. Faith Chaffee | Starting September 26, 2022: Monday - Wednesday, 4:30pm - 5:15pm | Alma First Presbyterian Church (495 Charles Ave. & Superior St.) | |
| Phillharmonia** | Dr. Jan Caputo | Starting September 26, 2022: Monday - Wednesday. 5:15pm - 6:15pm | Alma First Presbyterian Church (495 Charles Ave. & Superior St.) | |
| Symphonic Strings Ensemble** (advanced) | Dr. Jan Caputo | Starting September 21, 2022: Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Alma First Presbyterian Church (495 Charles Ave. & Superior St.) | |
| Adult Horizons* | Ms. Faith Chaffee | Starting September 29, 2022: 1st, 3rd. & 5th Thursdays, 6:15pm - 8:15pm | Alma First Presbyterian Church (495 Charles Ave. & Superior St.) |
Concerts
Students perform in three major concerts during the year, typically in December, February, and May. Additional performances at various venues will be scheduled throughout the year (including, for example, a fundraising auction, Come Home to Alma, and/or Lucky MacDuck Day).
Attendance and Practice
Regular attendance for lessons, ensemble classes, and performances is extremely important. Frequent absences affect not only the individual who is absent, but also the entire ensemble. Please inform the Instructor by phone or email when it is necessary to be absent. Students grow musically not only with attendance at lessons/class, but also through regular practice at home. Parents should encourage students to practice several times a week.
Cancellations
Classes/lessons will be held only when school is in session, and will be cancelled whenever Alma Public Schools is cancelled. In addition, there will be no meetings if APS cancels after-school activities or releases students early due to weather conditions. In the unlikely event of last-minute cancellations, the director or instructors will notify parents by email and text.
Instruments
It will be necessary for you to furnish an instrument. If your child does not have one, you may contact Jan Caputo at ABC Music of Alma (989-285-3171) to rent or buy instruments. (If you rent, borrow, or buy from a different source, please consult with the Instructor on the needed size, as this varies according to the physical size of the student.)
See the Registration form for Tuition and Payment Information.
For additional information about the program, please contact Director Faith Chaffee at frc71@sbcglobal.net or 231-330-2254, or message us on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/gratiotstrings