Fifty years ago, Prince William County Public Schools added a strings program to its music class offerings and has never looked back. In 1967, three instructors taught nearly 400 fifth graders and covered all 21 elementary schools in the county. The program now exceeds 9,500 students, with some starting as early as fourth grade, and continuing through twelfth grade.
The year-long celebration for strings capped off with a concert performed by current and former strings teachers at Brentsville District High School.
Throughout the hallways, different string instruments, music books, school yearbooks, photos, and several photographs from the 50 years of the strings program were displayed. The visual of the history of the program and how it grew as PWCS itself grew is a testament to the importance of the program.
Dr. Steven Walts, Superintendent of Schools, acknowledged the importance of the strings program and its lasting impact on students. “I consider the strings program to be without peer. It is second to none, in my opinion,” said Walts.
