Strings Instructor - Maria Gesiorek

he string program started in our school in 1997. It offers lessons on violin and viola for students in grades 1 to 8. Students participate in private lessons during the school hours and group rehearsals before or after school. The Suzuki method used for lessons is enriched with other materials from classical, folk and popular music. Students participate in the school Christmas and Spring concerts as well as solo recitals. Advanced students play during our weekly school liturgies.

Our outreach program takes students to the nursing homes and shopping malls during the holiday season. We are often invited to perform for special events in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, such as teacher's convention or conferences with the Archbishop. During summer lessons many of the students prepare to participate in the Fiddle Contest at State Fair. Our program takes part every year in Wisconsin Schools Music Association Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students in grades 6 to 8 play solo and in groups and consistently receive high ratings. This program gives students not only an opportunity to learn the instrument but also to share their talents with the school and surrounding community.

2009 Band & Strings Fall Fest The Advanced Strings and Band students from St. Dominic/St. John Vianney had the unique opportunity to record songs for a Christmas CD benefiting the Agape Community Center Meal Program. The students traveled to Marquette University High School to record their songs in the school’s recording studio. Under the wonderful leadership of Ms. Maria Gesiorek and Mrs. Joan Lueneburg, each group performed a song for the annual Sing for your Supper CD. All the proceeds from the CD go directly to the meal program at Agape Community Center. This is a perfect example of how our children can use their gifts and talents to serve the community as a whole. We are especially proud of our students who were able to participate in this event.