Loma Linda Academy School Curriculum Orchestras
*Participation by homeschool students may be possible by LLA special enrollment.
Loma Linda Academy String Explorers Program
The String Explorers Program is open to LLA students in grades 1-4 who wish to start, or try out, their journey with a stringed instrument. Parents are invited, and encouraged, to attend with their children, in order to learn how to help them practice at home. String Explorers I is the first-year program, where students learn basic string playing skills such as posture, bow hold, and tone production by learning violin in a class setting. String Explorers II (projected for 2023-2024) is a continuation of what students have learned the previous year, expanding to learning viola, cello, or bass for students who choose, and will further develop technique, repertoire and ensemble skills. String Explorers I meets twice a week, 2:45-3:30.
Loma Linda Academy 5th and 6th Grade Orchestra
Stephanie Popa, director
This ensemble is open to LLA 5th and 6th grade students who choose string orchestra as their music rotation class. Currently, the 5th grade strings class is open to beginners, and the 6th grade orchestra is a continuation of the previous year, building on what students have learned. Focus is on technique, tone, building repertoire, and music literacy. It is a great first chance for developing students to learn to play together in an orchestra situation, follow directions, listen to each other, and work on music reading. The 5th and 6th grade orchestra performs approximately twice a year. For more information about qualifications, please contact Mrs. Popa. Class meets during school hours.
Loma Linda Academy Concert Orchestra
Stephanie Popa, director
The Loma Linda Academy Concert Orchestra is a string orchestra designed to provide students an opportunity to develop their music-reading and orchestral playing skills. The Concert Orchestra performs in a variety of venues, including on campus, in area churches, and for outreach events. Academic credit is available for LLA junior high and high school students. Class meets during school hours, and is available for Loma Linda Academy junior high and high school students by audition.
Sinfonia Orchestra
Stephanie Popa, director
The Loma Linda Academy Sinfonia Orchestra is an advanced-level string orchestra orchestra designed to polish the advancing musician’s music-reading and orchestral playing skills. The Sinfonia performs in a variety of venues, including on campus, in area churches, and for outreach events. In addition, the Sinfonia travels annually for national and international tours. Academic credit is available for LLA high school students.
Suzuki String Program
Suzuki Early Childhood Education Class
Emerald Leung, instructor
The Suzuki Early Childhood Education Class is a short-term, interactive class for children ages 0-4 along with their parent. Following the philosophy of Shinichi Suzuki that children start the process of musical development from a very young age when guided by the loving, nurturing influence of their parent and teacher, children are introduced to skills involving musical instruments, pitch and rhythm, sharing and working with others, language and vocabulary skills, and patience and self-control through musical play.
Suzuki ECE is considered the introduction and preparation for young students to enter the Loma Linda Academy String Program. Children younger than 4 who wish to begin lessons are strongly suggested to enroll before they start formal instrument lessons. Classes for preschoolers and their parents are held at LLA Children’s Center.
Suzuki Program Violin and Cello Group Classes
Jim Lee (cello), Stephanie Popa (violin), and Samuel Young (violin), instructors
Various levels of Suzuki group classes are a requisite part of study at the Loma Linda Academy String Program. We strongly believe that an important part of string instrument study is playing in groups with others, to develop ensemble skills, listening, matching rhythm and intonation, following directions, and working together with colleagues. These skills are indispensable in any ensemble playing, whether chamber music or symphony orchestra. For this reason, each student who is taking private lessons is assigned to their level of ensemble for each stage of development. Class times vary.
Loma Linda Academy String Program 