The benefits of music to a child’s development span across a diverse range of skills and abilities including fine and gross motor, language or speech, social, cognitive and academic. Learning a specific instrument offers a child the opportunity to develop a life-long skill and provides a stage for musical expression. The Foundation’s mission is grounded in the dedication to offering this opportunity to all students at Mitchell Elementary through the Bobcat Strings program (formerly known as “Heart Strings”).
Meet Ms. Burris
The Bobcat Strings program is led by Ms. Claire Burris. Ms. Burris is an accomplished strings musician and instructor. This is her second year teaching at Mitchell Elementary and her seventh year teaching in a school system. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in music, and in her free time plays for orchestras and chamber music groups throughout Tampa Bay. Like many of our Bobcats, Ms. Burris began learning music at a young age, playing violin at 5, piano at 7, and cello at 8. She credits her mother and father with guiding her childhood in music and inspiring her career. She hopes to inspire others.
K-5 Strings Program
All Bobcats have the opportunity to participate in the Strings program. Students in grades K-5 may learn violin. Students in grades 3-5 only may consider choosing an instrument from the Violin family (e.g., viola, cello, double bass). The program is offered during normal school hours, once weekly. Kindergarten students are automatically enrolled in this program and instruments will be provided. Students in grades 1-5 will need to enroll and acquire their own instrument. Scholarships are available.
Bobcat Strings Ensemble
The Ensemble is for students grades 3-5 who are already enrolled in Strings. Students are required to audition and attend after school rehearsals. The Ensemble provides those students interested with advanced instruction and performance opportunities. Past performances included Art Night, Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Bobcat Bash and a special performance with the Wilson Middle School Orchestra. Auditions are held in the beginning of the school year and involvement continues throughout the year.
Our local community is fortunate to have multiple strings programs from kindergarten to 12th grade. The Mitchell strings program stands out because it is made possible by the support of our Mitchell Foundation. Our students receive a rigorous introduction to playing a stringed instrument, which sets a strong foundation for their future in music.
Claire Burris, Mitchell Strings
For more information about Bobcat Strings, please visit the program information page. To sponsor a student, contact Foundation Strings Chair Jamie Saulson at jamie.saulson@baldwin.com.
