Welcome to Plumosa Strings with Ms. Cartegena

Grades serviced: 4-5 (Will be K-8 for middle school)

Instructional structure: 3-5 grade students attend one hour classes 2-3 times a week and have a choice of learning violin, viola, cello or bass. Students explore classical and fiddle music, while learning music theory and history.

Performances: Students are inspired to practice through numerous performance opportunities on and off campus. In the past, they have been invited to perform for the Nat King Cole Generation Hope Foundation, Norton Museum of Art, Cruisin’ America, The Education Network, Delray Beach Center for the Arts,  and Delray Beach City Hall. 

Nat King Cole Generation Hope Summer Strings at Lynn University:  In the summer of 2012, the School District of Palm Beach County, Nat King Cole Generation Hope and Lynn University partnered to create and provide two week long strings summer camp for elementary school string students. Ms. Sinclair is one of the orchestra directors and Plumosa liaison. We have had over 220 Plumosa students attend since 2012.  Alumni of this camp have gone on to attend Bak and Dreyfoos Schools of the Arts and  have performed on the stage of Carnegie Hall.

Partnerships

PSOA has enjoyed a strong partnership with Lynn University Conservatory of Music since 2011. Laura Sinclair, director of strings is an alumni of the conservatory and facilitated the connection and creation of this program.  Through their mentorship program, students are provided with one-on-one instruction with a graduate student specializing in their instrument. Not only are these mentors fine musicians, but they are excellent role models and instructors who allow for inspiration and refinement of skill. 

Plumosa Strings began a new partnership this year, with the Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition.  Held once every 3 years, Plumosa will host the community engagement portion. All four finalists offered an informal program for 50 children from grades 3 - 5.  This component of the competition was adjudicated by a panel of distinguished community members and educators.  As part of the grand prize, the competition winner will visit Plumosa to perform for the student. The winner performs in a very informal setting, where the children have the opportunity to ask many questions.

Boca Festival of the Arts partners with Plumosa by bringing visiting artists to perform for the students.  Plumosa students have the opportunity to be up close and personal with international performance artists, opening their minds to the possibilities held within their own art. This past year, they were able to provide a Thanksgiving program for K-2 students, through the support of the PNC ArtsAlive! Grant program.