Band

At Groveton Elementary, students in grades 5 and 6 may receive weekly instruction on band instruments (flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and percussion). Band classes meet once per week during the school day and are free of charge. In order for your child to participate in Band, you need to provide an instrument. Fairfax County provides instruments at a reduced fee for all Groveton students.  Local music stores also offer trial-purchase and /or rental plans for these instruments. Method books will be provided free through FCPS. Second year students may also have the opportunity to play in the West Potomac Area Band or in the District solo and Ensemble Festival.  Band instruction in FCPS continues through Middle and High School, including extra-curricular trips/performances and joining the marching band! 

Strings

At Groveton Elementary, students in grades 4 through 6 may receive weekly instruction on string instruments (violin, viola, cello, or double bass). Strings classes meet once per week during the school day and are free of charge. In order for your child to participate in Strings, you need to provide an instrument. Fairfax County provides instruments at a reduced fee for all Groveton students. Local music stores also offer trial-purchase and /or rental plans for these instruments. Method books will be provided free through FCPS. It generally takes one full school year for students to feel accomplished on a string instrument. For this reason, children enrolling in Strings are expected to remain in the program for the entire school year. Strings instruction in FCPS continues through Middle and High School and opens up a world of friendship, fun, and musical excellence for your child. 

More About Ms. Kelly

Christine Kelly is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia and holds a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from George Mason University.  She has been teaching band at Groveton, as well as other surrounding elementary schools, since 2018. Her primary instruments include clarinet, flute and piano and loves playing all of the band instruments! She also performs frequently with the Fairfax Wind Symphony and the Fairfax Chamber Players Orchestra.  Her favorite thing about teaching elementary band is seeing the excitement on her student’s faces when they learn a new instrument and seeing their incredible progress throughout the school year. In her spare time, she loves playing soccer with her 2 dogs, Gus and Eli, as well as reading, painting, and of course discovering new music!

More About Ms. Walker

Karine Walker has been teaching Strings in FCPS since 2017. Before joining FCPS, she taught general music for 5 years at two DC Charter Schools and had an adjunct faculty position at James Madison University and at Mary Washington University.  She graduated from McGill University (in Canada) and then obtained her Master’s Degrees from Howard University. Besides her career as an educator, she is still performing music in various groups at the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian museums, and in restaurants. She believes that excellence in music can be achieved by anyone willing to put forth the effort of regular practice. In her spare time, she practices for upcoming performances, spend time with her 2 boys and husband, and enjoys running.