For second- and third-graders
By Ruth Luse, Managing Editor
Beginning in January, students who attend the four Hopewell Valley Regional School District elementary schools will have violin instruction available to them for a fee — if not during school hours, then after.
The Hopewell Valley YMCA, according to JoAnn Meyer, school district spokeswoman, has announced it is offering small-group and private violin lessons after school at Bear Tavern and Hopewell Elementary, starting the week of Jan. 7.
Earlier this month after-school lessons for second- and third-graders began at Stony Brook Elementary and at Toll Gate Grammar. The Stony Brook-based program filled up, Ms. Meyer said Tuesday, but just one child signed up for the program at Toll Gate.
The after-school classes fill the gap created this fall, when the district’s elementary strings program (once offered in grades one through three) was cut from grades two and three, leaving just grade one. This modification was made because of school district budget considerations.
Working with district officials, the YMCA agreed to offer both small-group and private instruction at all elementary schools after hours.
Classes are limited to second- and third-graders only. Through an arrangement negotiated by the school board, a membership in the Y is not required for sign-up.
”I am delighted that parents will have convenient access to reasonably priced lessons from accomplished musicians and teachers in all four elementary schools,” Superintendent Judith A. Ferguson said Tuesday.
Two 10-week sessions will be offered. The first begins Jan. 7 (small-group) and Jan. 8 (private) at Bear Tavern and Jan. 10 (small-group) and Jan. 11 (private) at Hopewell. The second session starts in April. Sessions cost $180 and $190 for small-group lessons and $300 for private.
To register, contact the Y at 737-3048 or e-mail [email protected].

