Chances are those who walk the hallowed halls of First Presbyterian Christian Academy in Hinesville would likely hear more than the chatter of teachers and students hard at work.
Nowadays, they would be just as likely to hear the drawing of violin strings, guitars and such.
Shannon Hickey is in her third year as the school’s music director and has a program reportedly unlike any currently offered in any public or private school in the county.
In addition to a choral and band program that has more than doubled in attendance during the past two years, Hickey has recently implemented a program in the study of violin.
The school’s recent purchase of 50 new instruments, sized for each student, will contribute to a groundbreaking program offering students a chance to experience orchestral music study and theory.
The addition of violin study comes on the heels of a new study in classical guitar - a program adopted by Hickey two months ago with the purchase of guitars for student use.
“The students have a new found excitement in music study as a result of the additions,” Hickey said. She has no intention of stopping there either.
Looking ahead, plans for the academy’s music program include wind, jazz and marching ensembles.
While that may be a few years away, the current growth in the program is making the prospect look promising.
Additionally, plans call for facility expansion to include a state-of-the-art performing arts wing.
“The goal is to have a program that cannot be matched by any school within our region,” Hickey said.
Nowadays, they would be just as likely to hear the drawing of violin strings, guitars and such.
Shannon Hickey is in her third year as the school’s music director and has a program reportedly unlike any currently offered in any public or private school in the county.
In addition to a choral and band program that has more than doubled in attendance during the past two years, Hickey has recently implemented a program in the study of violin.
The school’s recent purchase of 50 new instruments, sized for each student, will contribute to a groundbreaking program offering students a chance to experience orchestral music study and theory.
The addition of violin study comes on the heels of a new study in classical guitar - a program adopted by Hickey two months ago with the purchase of guitars for student use.
“The students have a new found excitement in music study as a result of the additions,” Hickey said. She has no intention of stopping there either.
Looking ahead, plans for the academy’s music program include wind, jazz and marching ensembles.
While that may be a few years away, the current growth in the program is making the prospect look promising.
Additionally, plans call for facility expansion to include a state-of-the-art performing arts wing.
“The goal is to have a program that cannot be matched by any school within our region,” Hickey said.