Forms & Links
The Staff
Emily Way
Director
Emily Way is a string educator and performer based in Columbus, Ohio. Raised by music educator parents, Emily is a native of Buffalo, NY, where her passion for teaching and performing began. Until her early adult years, Emily resisted following in her parents’ footsteps, pursuing a degree in viola performance from the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music. Shortly after graduating, Emily moved to Columbus and attended The Ohio State University, earning a post-baccalaureate licensure in music education. Emily has taught at Hilliard Station for 5 years and was the 2022 recipient of the Ohio String Teachers Association Young Teacher of the Year Award. Emily currently resides in Columbus with her husband Ethan.
- (614) 921-6800
- Emily_Way@hboe.org
Gallery
General Information
About the Instruments
Here you will learn a little bit about each of the instruments in the String family. There are links for each instrument connecting to different performers’ pages so you can hear samples of the sounds of each instrument. Keep in mind that each instrument comes in a variety of sizes, so no matter the instrument your child wishes to learn, there is a size that will fit him or her. For those who choose to play cello or bass, please note that Station has instruments for your student to use while at school. The cellos or basses rented will remain at home. For those who choose violin and viola, please note that these instruments must be taken to school and back home each day. If you have any further questions about the instruments, please feel free to e-mail emily_way@hboe.org.
VIOLIN: The violin is the smallest and highest pitched instrument in the string family. It is played by supporting the instrument on the left shoulder under the chin. Some famous violinists include: Jascha Heifetz , Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, and Midori
VIOLA: The viola looks very similar to the violin, and is in fact played the same way. The viola, however, has a lower, richer sound, and is just a little bit bigger than the violin. Some famous violists include: Pinchas Zukerman, Patricia McCarty, and Yuri Bashmet
CELLO: The cello is the only instrument in the orchestra that is always played while sitting. Much larger than the violin and viola, the cello is supported by an end pin that is extended to meet the ground while the instrument is supported by the player’s legs. Some famous cellists include: Mstislav Rostropovich , Jacqueline Dupre, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mischa Maisky
BASS: The bass is the largest and lowest sounding instrument in the orchestra. Bassists usually stand to play the bass which, like the cello, is supported by an extendable end pin that meets the ground. Some famous bassists include: Edgar Meyer, Francois Rabbath, Gary Karr, and Charles Mingus
Instrument Videos
Watch this video to learn more about the Orchestra and each instrument in it!
About Orchestra
Schedule
Students have the opportunity to choose “elective” courses during their 6th grade year. As Orchestra is one of their elective options, students are not pulled out of any other classes to be in Orchestra. It is a part of their schedule every day for the entire school year. It is a full year-long elective.
Concerts
There are 2 evening concerts throughout the school year. These are a wonderful chance for students to showcase what they have learned, and for families and friends to see student progress. All other required orchestra activities take place during the school day. Concert dates will be announced at the beginning of the school year.
Required Materials
Students are required to have the following materials:
- Rental instrument from an approved rental shop
- Essential Elements for Strings Volume 1
- 1/2 inch binder or dedicated orchestra folder
- Pencils
Home Practice
In order to fulfill their full potential on a new instrument, students will need to spend some time at home practicing assignments. Practicing is a fun and productive way to improve, and students will be given specific assignments in class, as well as the freedom to choose some things that they would like to learn.
