Skip to main content

Cider Mill School

Strings Program

Strings

strings musicians

 

Cider Mill Strings Overview

Welcome to the 2026-2027 Strings program at Cider Mill!  Be sure to read through the information below for detailed information about the strings program.

Weekly Lessons & Orchestra Rehearsals

  • Start Dates: Group lessons begin in September (as announced). Mr. Suto’s Before School Rehearsals will begin in September (as announced). Mrs. Karlan’s Before School Rehearsals will begin in October (as announced).
  • Group Lesson Schedule: Lessons will occur on the same day every week on a rotating schedule to avoid students missing the same academic class more than once every six to seven weeks.
  • Before School Rehearsal Schedule: Mandatory 6:45 a.m. rehearsals occur once a week as an integral part of the instrumental music curriculum and will meet the same day as group lessons.

Weekly Schedule

  • Tuesdays: Continuing 4th Grade Students South (Kent), First Year 3rd Grade Students (Kent), First Year 4th & 5th Grade Students
  • Wednesdays: Continuing 4th Grade Students North (Nod Hill), First Year 3rd Grade Students (Belden Hill)
  • Thursdays: Continuing 5th Grade Students
  • Fridays: First Year 3rd Grade Students (Nod Hill & Cannondale)

 

Instruments & Supplies

  • Renting Instruments: We strongly recommend choosing in-school delivery, from our suggested vendor list on the provided Cider Mill Strings Supply List, to ensure instruments arrive safely before the first lesson. This can be accessed through the Strings Registration letters. Students can choose to study the violin, viola, cello, or bass.
  • Required Supplies: See the detailed Cider Mill Strings Supply List provided in the registration materials.

 

 

Class Expectations

  • Daily Practice: Play for 15-20 minutes at home every day.
  • Punctuality: Track the rotating lesson schedule and arrive on time.
  • Preparation: Bring your method book and instrument to every lesson.
  • Engagement: Listen carefully, participate actively, and ask questions.

Enrollment

  • Returning Strings students: If you participated in Strings last year, look for a returning student registration form on ParentSquare/email.
  • New 4th & 5th grade students: Attend an instrument demonstration meeting during the school day to learn about essential program details. Registration forms will be sent through ParentSquare/email. 
  • 3rd Grade Students: Attend an instrument demonstration during the school day to learn about lessons and orchestra. Registration forms will be sent through ParentSquare/email.
  • Chamber Strings: If you are participating in 4th or 5th Grade Strings with Mr. Suto, you are eligible to audition for Chamber Strings. Once you are registered in the 4th or 5th Grade Strings program, you will receive an invitation to sign up to audition for Chamber Strings. Auditions will be held after school by appointment with Mrs. Karlan. Rehearsals will be held with Mrs. Karlan on Tuesdays after school from 2:30-3:30 and will involve commitment and performances. 

 

We look forward to sharing the joy of making music together this year!

 

Mrs. Kirsten Karlan

First Year Strings

Chamber Strings

karlank@wiltonps.org

 

Mr. Brian Suto

4th & 5th Grade Strings

sutob@wiltonps.org

 

CM Stings FAQ