Pilot Program: Connections Program at Constance Lane
In March of last year, The Music Academy received a $50,000 Rockford ReGrow Grant from the City of Rockford to start an afterschool music program at Constance Lane Elementary School.
Constance Lane Elementary School is an RPS205 school located off of Kishwaukee street and south of our Haight Village location. The school serves a diverse population of students, many of whom face generational poverty.
This 100% tuition-free violin program allows any Constance Lane student to learn the violin and the many wonderful skills that come with it including leadership, teamwork, careful listening and focus, creativity, and music-making!
We are excited to update you on how things are going!
We spent the summer purchasing instruments, creating curriculum, and hiring the perfect teachers for this program.
In August, students from all of RPS205 participated in a free beginning violin summer camp meant to kick off the year - and it did! The excited students and families participated in a showcase concert that included an impressive amount of learning and bravery! Sound effects, playing together, and even Twinkle! This camp was made possible by the City of Rockford and the Mill Foundation.
The Connections After School Program at Constance Lane officially began on September 8th, 2025, with 12 kids! Still in the recruiting and learning phase, we are working to add students one at a time so that they are best supported as they enter the program.
The Connections staff include 3 wonderful lead teachers, and one assistant teacher who have all shown dedication and love to each child.
Daily schedule includes: Snack and activity, Small group lessons, and Large Ensemble.
The students are engaged and making quick and steady progress. Box violins, bow holds, and rhythm games have been favorites so far! They will receive real violins soon!
The students and faculty will hold a short showcase concert on December 18th during Constance Lane’s Gingerbread Night!
What’s next!?
We are THRILLED to announce that the Kjellstrom Family Foundation has fully funded an additional semester of this program!
