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MISD Students Explore the Sounds of Strings
new type of sound can be heard in the hallways
of Mansfield ISD intermediate schools this year.
Students are getting the opportunity to participate in
the district’s new orchestra program.
“I love that orchestra is important to the
district,” said Kevin Pearce, orchestra instructor
at Mary Lillard and Mary Orr intermediate
schools. “I think it’s an essential part of a well-
rounded music program in school.”
quickly through a method as other school districts
where they did have instruments that they’re taking
home.”
The MISD orchestra program will expand
in phases to the middle school and high
school levels. For more information
about the district’s fine arts programs,
visit the MISD website.
For its inaugural year, the program serves
as an exploratory class to expose fifth
graders to string instruments. Students
are learning various techniques, such as
bowing and plucking. Pearce said he is impressed
with how quickly his classes are learning the
concepts.
“I’ve seen some really nice progress in them,
especially considering how they’re not practicing at
home,” Pearce explained. “They’re still moving as
10 Mansfield School & Family
Pearce conducts the orchestra students at Mary Lillard
Intermediate School during a mini-concert.