Dear NCS Parents,

I am so excited to join the elementary campus as the orchestra director. I wanted to introduce myself, and let you know that, yes, the orchestra program is still a choice for your child in third-fifth grades. My name is Kelly Hearn, and I am currently the orchestra teacher at the secondary campus. I earned my Bachelor’s of Music Performance and Education at Ithaca College in Upstate NY, and I taught public school for 5 years. I took some time off to raise my twin girls, who are 2 ½, and I’ve been teaching privately for almost 15 years. The job at the secondary campus came as a real blessing, and I’m thrilled to add the elementary campus to the mix!

Part of the reason I was so eager to work at Northland last year was because it is such a wonderful opportunity the students have to start a stringed instrument at such an early age. I am a Suzuki student from the age of 3, and I have experienced and observed all of the advantages of a Suzuki Method, and Suzuki based techniques. The 3^rd grade students will be able to successfully read music by the end of their first year of playing, as well as have a firm grasp of the foundations of music, in addition to having superb ear training and musical style.

On the second day of school, all of the 3^rd-5^th graders will watch (and perhaps even participate in) an orchestra demonstration. More details will be sent home to those who are interested in signing up for the class. Even if your child is in 4^th or 5^th grade, he or she is more than welcome to join the orchestra program.

I look forward to meeting you Tuesday night at the Open House. Please let me know if you have any questions at khearn@northlandchristian.org

Have a great last few days of summer,

Kelly Hearn