Orchestra, with stringed instruments violin, cello, and  stand-up bass debuted as a class this year at the high school.  This class started off at the middle school then worked its way up adding a new level every year.

Strings teacher Megan Joyner said she really enjoys the high school environment as she follows the students into the high school.

“It is a learning experience for me as well as the students,” Joyner said.  “We get to go through another experience together and it helps us become more of a team.”

This is Joyner’s first year at the high school and her second year in the school district. The class meets every day second period to prepare for many upcoming performances as well as contests.

“The high school faculty are extremely nice and very welcoming; and a lot of people seem to be very excited that we are here,” Joyner said.

Natalie Bonds is one student in the new class.

“I joined orchestra because I love the sounds that come from these unique instruments,” Bond said.  “The music always calms me down.”

Jessica Reynolds is also excited about being part of the new class.

“I would recommend this class because it is a fun class with a fantastic teacher,” Reynolds said. “The pieces we play are always cool, and it’s an enjoyable course.”

Being the first year for the program at a different school can be tough Joyner said.

“When a challenge arises, we work as a team to overcome it,” Joyner said. “We are like a family and we do not leave one behind.  Yes, we have setbacks, but who doesn’t when one is working on something that hard.”

So far the strings have performed at many events such as the Memorial Day assembly at Alf Junior High and seasonal concerts for the public.

The class shares the smaller band room with students and teachers in the marching band program.

Instead of viewing this as a problem,  band students found this very rewarding to be able to meet new people interested in music and work beside them at concerts and contests.

“It makes me feel good we can further musical education and expand Searcy’s fine art program,” Deborah Craig said.

Joyner said the strings program in the district this year has 110 students including a 36 underclassmen now at the high school. She expects this number to increase in the future.

“What I enjoy most about my job is working with kids,” Joyner said. “I love teaching orchestra and transferring my love of strings instruments to others and watching them develop a deep appreciation for it as well. When students fully understand a new concept, can do the concept, and are so proud of what they have achieved is an awesome feeling.”

Joyner said students with a passion for music who want to develop their skills in fine arts would a great addition to the class.

“Orchestra is not just music; it is so much more than that,” Joyner said. “It is having a passion, being involved, using higher level thinking, understand the physics of sound and how to do something,” Joyner added.