Elkhorn residents hope to start orchestra program in local school district

A group of Elkhorn residents is hoping to start the first orchestra program in Elkhorn Public Schools. Nearby districts, such as Westside, Millard and Omaha, already offer orchestra programs.

Lisa and Jim Janvrin are two parents helping lead the effort. They have a son in sixth grade who has played violin for almost four years. Lisa said the school already offers two other music programs with both extracurriculars and curriculum, so it makes sense to add strings to the curriculum to complete the overall music program.

“I think there's like three or four different kinds of band and chorus that you can play or be part of in high school,” she said. “My friend whose kid plays was telling me there's a competitive band, there's marching band, there's show choir band, there's jazz band — but there's nothing for those who play strings.”

Lisa added that although students who play a string instrument can sometimes play in some of these ensembles, there is no strings program with a strings-specific teacher.

Their son, Luca, first gained interest in the violin when he saw an old one his mom was getting ready to sell.

Lisa and Jim pay for their son to take private classes. Lisa said she’s heard from parents who weren’t able to afford both the instrument and private lessons for their child, so they would ultimately stop playing.

“With a school curriculum, the school program, there would be funding,” Lisa said. “There would be assistance for those who are not able to do that. I've heard other parents say their children quit after a few years because the parents weren't willing and able to spend on that rental, for example. But they weren't even paying for private lessons, that was just for the instrument.”

That’s one reason why Melissa and Christian Schuerman support the effort to start an orchestra program. The Schuermans are also Elkhorn residents who hope to one day have kids in Elkhorn Public Schools.

“We want everybody to have the same opportunities and to be able to be involved in all of the things,” Melissa said. “By including it into the school day, that allows them to have more time to do other extracurricular activities as well. I know sports are really big, but even theater and other things.”

The Schuermans both grew up playing string instruments in orchestras and bands.

“​​It was a sense of belonging,” Melissa said. “I know from my standpoint, I would like future children to be able to have that experience.”

Melissa plays the harp, and attributes her 17 years of playing to the support she had from music directors in middle and high school.

Her husband Christian, who plays upright bass, said having an orchestra class offers students a different experience playing their instrument.

“In orchestra, it's pure musicality all the time, make as beautiful of a sound as you possibly can,” Christian said.

Students learn more than musicality. Jim said he’s seen his son learn more than how to play an instrument when he’s played in group settings.

“It's a little bit more about leadership and interacting, communicating — all the things that you're trying to teach your children as they go into the real world,” Jim said.

Lisa added that a student’s concentration and focus improves, which helps in their academics.

“They focus on studies, and they focus on their teachers,” she said.

Elkhorn Public Schools was “unable to facilitate an interview” for this story.

The Janvrins and the Schuermans say they’ve had several discussions with school officials and board members who seem open to the effort, and others who are apprehensive to the idea. The Javrins said they are open to any ideas on how best to implement the program. They’ve suggested phasing it in starting with sixth grade and adding a grade every year after.

They urge any Elkhorn residents interested in starting an orchestra program to join their efforts in sending letters and emailing school leadership and music teachers at Elkhorn Public Schools. The Janvrins and Schuermans are planning to attend the board meeting Monday night along with several other parents and students.