Program Overview:
The Elliott After School Strings program was started to provide the students of Elliott Elementary an opportunity to learn a string instrument. We will be offering violin lessons to Kindergarten through Fourth grade students after school. Lessons will be held once a week on Tuesdays.
The Elliott After School Strings program was started to provide the students of Elliott Elementary an opportunity to learn a string instrument. We will be offering violin lessons to Kindergarten through Fourth grade students after school. Lessons will be held once a week on Tuesdays.
Coordinators:
Mrs. Catherine Waldron - Elliott's Integrated Arts Teacher
Mrs. Christin Lott Hebert - Elliott Parent
Mrs. Catherine Waldron - Elliott's Integrated Arts Teacher
Mrs. Christin Lott Hebert - Elliott Parent
Violin Teachers:
Matt Pickart is in his first year
of DMA studies under Professor Gandelsman at Michigan State University. He
holds a BM from University of Wisconsin-Madison and his MM from Duquesne
University, as the last student of the late Sidney Harth, both on violin. He has
played as concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, McKeesport Symphony
Orchestra, Ripieno Chamber Orchestra, University of Wisconsin-Madison Symphony
Orchestra, Duquesne University Symphony Orchestra, and the Madison Savoyards; and
as principal viola of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra, Johnstown Symphony
Orchestra, Pittsburgh Festival Orchestra, Duquesne University Symphony
Orchestra, the International Chamber Soloists, and at Julliard’s Paul Hall with
the Shirley Givens Alumni Orchestra.
Pickart has performed in a wide variety of settings all over the world, from chamber music at Carnegie Music Hall’s Weill Recital Hall to being a featured artist at Jazzstadt Stuttgart. Other highlights include performances with Barry Manilow, Bernadette Peters, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Beatles Love Album Tribute Tour, the Premier Swingtett in Berlin, Ritmo Flamenco in Toronto, and the Swingadje Ensemble as featured soloist on German tour. At home in many non-classical genres as well, Matt has recorded and or performed with a magnitude of bands of varying styles, and is the former violinist of the Hot Club of Pittsburgh.
Matt has held several teaching posts, which include adjunct professor of violin and chamber music at Beloit College and violin, viola, and chamber music instructor at Duquesne University’s City Music Center. During the summers, he spends his time as a member of the faculty at UW-Madison's Summer Music Clinic and as assistant to the director of Interharmony International Music Festival in Germany and Italy.
Pickart has performed in a wide variety of settings all over the world, from chamber music at Carnegie Music Hall’s Weill Recital Hall to being a featured artist at Jazzstadt Stuttgart. Other highlights include performances with Barry Manilow, Bernadette Peters, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Beatles Love Album Tribute Tour, the Premier Swingtett in Berlin, Ritmo Flamenco in Toronto, and the Swingadje Ensemble as featured soloist on German tour. At home in many non-classical genres as well, Matt has recorded and or performed with a magnitude of bands of varying styles, and is the former violinist of the Hot Club of Pittsburgh.
Matt has held several teaching posts, which include adjunct professor of violin and chamber music at Beloit College and violin, viola, and chamber music instructor at Duquesne University’s City Music Center. During the summers, he spends his time as a member of the faculty at UW-Madison's Summer Music Clinic and as assistant to the director of Interharmony International Music Festival in Germany and Italy.
Daniela Cruz is a Master in Viola performance
from Valdosta State University originally from São Paulo, Brazil. During her
time at VSU, she held a Graduate Assistantship linked to working at the
South Georgia String Program, an after-school string program promoted and run
by the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and Valdosta State University. Before coming
to the United States, Daniela worked for 3 years in an "El
Sistema"-based program in Brazil named Guri Santa Marcelina.
This well-known program in Brazil teaches children ages 5 to 18 in an
after-school orchestra program. Daniela firmly believes that any
student has the ability to succeed and be able to express then self
through music. They need time, encouragement and practice.
Daniela Cruz is also a freelance musician. Since she moved to Michigan, she has performed with West Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Symphony Orchestra and MSU Symphony Orchestra.
Daniela Cruz is also a freelance musician. Since she moved to Michigan, she has performed with West Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Symphony Orchestra and MSU Symphony Orchestra.