STRING SPROUTS
The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra is proud to offer quality music education to young musicians in Steamboat Springs. String Sprouts is a five-year violin program that provides curriculum and materials for students beginning as young as six years old.
Students start in Level 1 violin classes and progress to the next level each school year, building their skills and confidence along the way.
Fully subsidized by our generous supporters at the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra, String Sprouts is offered to students in Steamboat Springs at no financial cost. The only investment required is the time and commitment of both the student and caregiver to attend classes regularly and practice the violin at home.
Want to learn more about the history of String Sprouts?
APPLY
Applications are due June 1, 2026
QUESTIONS
Feel free to reach out with any questions
DONATE
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Class Info
Location: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Steamboat Springs
Classes run for 32 weeks, beginning in September and ending in May
Please note: practice times may change depending on enrollment.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
| Wednesdays 5:45 – 6:35 Class | Tuesdays 6:00 – 6:50 Class | Tuesdays 4:00 – 4:50 Class | Tuesdays 5:00 – 5:50 Class |
| Thursdays 4:30 – 5:05 Practice | Thursdays 5:15 – 5:50 Practice | Wednesdays 5:00 – 5:35 Practice | Independent Practice |
Timeline
- June 1 – Applications due.
- June 8 – Online information meeting at 6:00 PM MT (for applicants only)
- July – Families notified of acceptance into the program; student measurements due for instrument sizing
- September 1 – Classes begin
FAQ
Q: Do I have to be a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) to join String Sprouts?
A: You do not need to be a member of BGC to apply for String Sprouts, but students accepted into the program must become BGC members before classes begin. BGC membership is open to students for an annual fee of $25, and any student accepted into String Sprouts is eligible to join. While String Sprouts does not provide transportation, BGC offers an afterschool bus to its facility. Click here to learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Steamboat Springs
Q: Do I need a violin to join?
A: No. The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra provides a violin for each student at no additional cost.
Q: When do classes start?
A: Classes run from September through May.
Q: How many classes do I have to attend?
A: Students in Levels 1-3 attend one class session and one practice session each week, for a total of two sessions per week. Caregivers are required to attend at least one session per week with their student.
Q: Can you accommodate scheduling conflicts?
A: Students are expected to attend all classes so they can progress consistently and gain the full benefits of violin classes. We ask families to review their schedules carefully and consider any potential conflicts before committing to String Sprouts.
Q: What is the application process?
A: Click here to apply for String Sprouts Level 1 by June 1, 2026. Applicants will be invited to attend an online information meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM MT. Families will be notified of acceptance into the program in July.
Q: How many spots are available?
A: There are currently 10 openings for new Level 1 students. A second class of Level 1 students may be considered dependent on number of applications.
Q: How old does my student have to be to join?
A: Students must be between 6 and 8 years old to enroll in Level 1 and in grades 1-3.
Q: If my student is older, can they join at a higher level?
A: Levels are based on years of experience playing the violin. Students with no prior violin experience should enroll in Level 1. If your student has previous experience, please contact info@steamboatsymphony.org discuss the appropriate placement.
Personnel
Dr Jennifer Wheeler
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Teresa Steffen Greenlee
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
