Midtown creates school district’s first orchestra

MADISON – Youngsters are learning a skill that no one can take away from them – even as an older adult – by joining the Midtown Elementary After-School Orchestra.

Unique to Midtown, this group is the only orchestral program in Madison City Schools. Yes, bands are established, but no orchestra until now. In simplistic terms, an orchestra has string instruments; a band does not. Conductor Kate Francis has taught music for grades K-5 for 23 years. This school year is her first as general music teacher at Midtown Elementary School.

“I started this program because I wanted to share my passion for string instruments and orchestra music with the Midtown students,” Francis said. “Being part of the beginning orchestra gives students a chance to learn how to play the violin, viola or cello.”

Not only learning to play, students also develop essential skills like teamwork, discipline and self-expression.

“I’m a musical product of local public schools in Northern California. Both of my parents were music teachers. My dad was the high school band director; my mom was a private flute teacher. It was natural for me to start the violin when I was four years old,” she said.

Starting high school, Francis needed an extra elective and first chose wood shop. Worried about injuries, her parents suggested a band class instead.

Throughout high school, Francis played trombone in band and viola in orchestra; her father was music teacher. She continued playing trombone for fun in college but focused on viola, orchestral performance and teaching music.

At University of Michigan, Francis earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and viola performance. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a master’s degree in viola performance (string pedagogy).

Joining Midtown’s orchestra has no prerequisites — just a desire to learn a string instrument — and is open to Midtown fourth- and fifth-graders. With beginners, Francis must start with basics . . . opening an instrument case. She anticipates the 2025-2026 school year with a new beginning group and second-year students.

Francis believes a ‘typical’ orchestra student doesn’t exist. “I look at our kids, and one thing they all have in common is they’re leaders and not afraid to be themselves. They’re all wonderful students, and it has been an absolute joy to watch them become friends and grow musically.”

Midtown’s orchestra rehearses for one hour on Tuesdays and Wednesday after school. Each class has about 15 students. One rehearsal per week is mandatory, but some students opt to attend both classes.

“Students (attend both) if they’re needing extra help, or they’re doing really well and want to play extra or . . . for the piece of candy at the end of class!” Francis said.

Each rehearsal opens with a quick warmup with students echoing the music that Francis plays. “Then, we do D Major scales in different variations and play music we worked on in the previous class,” Francis said.

The orchestra then works on the music’s new parts. “Before we pack up, I have them play something we just mastered or something they enjoy playing,” Francis said.

Currently, the orchestra has 28 students – “one ‘brave’ cellist, 10 violas and 17 violinists,” she said.

“I’m thankful we have a very supportive parent community at Midtown. Our PTA is the best ever!” Francis said. “Having a supportive administration has been so helpful to getting the after- school orchestra up and running.”

Principal Savannah Demeester and Vice Principals Lauren Cecil and Nathan Holmes cheer students on and have served as test audience.

When joining, orchestra students respond to different vibes:

• Davis Collins – Violinist in fourth grade. “I’ve always loved music, so I decided to try the violin and sign up for after- school orchestra. I like learning how to read music and play new songs. I also like that I get to meet new friends.”

• Murphy Abner – Fifth-grader who plays violin. “I never played an instrument before. What I like about being an orchestra member is I get the privilege to say I know how to play an instrument.”

• Kate Hilderbrand – Fifth-grader who plays viola. “I wanted to learn to play something new. I like the concerts, after- school practices and also that I get to hang out with friends.”

• Areya Gonzalez – Fourth-grade violinist. “I was gifted a violin when I was little and hadn’t had a chance to learn it up until (joining). ‘Miss’ Francis makes it fun to learn and makes the notes easy to remember with funny names. For example, she says fish for F# (F Sharp).”

• Evan Ip – Violinist in fourth grade. “I like music, and I play piano so I thought playing violin would be fun. I get to learn how to play songs.”

• Natsume Uno – Fourth-grader who plays cello. “I thought it would be fun! I like being a member because we all get to work together to make music.”

“As we enter the last nine weeks of this class, we’re getting ready for our Spring Concert,” Francis said. “Up until now, everything they have played has been in unison; now, the new music is divided into separate parts for violin, viola and cello.”

Currently, the orchestra is rehearsing “Rocky Mountain,” “Take a Swing at This” and “Bile ‘em Cabbage Down.”

Midtown Elementary received a grant from the Alabama Arts Education Initiative to implement a fourth-grade violin program during music class. In the 20252026 school year, each fourth-grade class will receive nine weeks of violin instruction during their music class.

“Each class will present a mini ‘informance’ (informal performance) for parents and highlight what they learned in their nine-week introduction to violin. We received $13,000 to purchase 32 violins, along with storage racks,” Francis said.

In addition, the violins will help to augment instruments for loan to students who want to join the orchestra but cannot afford to rent an instrument.

Midtown Elementary After-School Orchestra will perform in concert on May 6 at 3:45 p.m. at Midtown Elementary School’s Cafeteria. (“Our Carnegie Hall!” Francis said.)

Francis continues to learn other music teachers’ names and school. “All the conductors and music teachers that I’ve reached out to have been super welcoming and helpful. Madison City Schools has a great community of educators.”

Francis hopes other orchestras will organize. “I would love to see the expansion of orchestras across the MCS district.”

The orchestra need instruments. Francis asks anyone who owns a violin, viola or cello in storage to donate the instrument to Midtown orchestra.