In the beginning of March, Piggy Hill Art Studio, 2 S. Decatur St., Strasburg, kicked off The Orchestra Sings program for students to learn about classical music. Students meet every Friday at the studio to learn about different composers, classical instruments and orchestral concerts. The program will conclude with an interactive concert at McCaskey High School on Tuesday, May 16.

The Orchestra Sings is a music education program offered by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, which provides the curriculum to students across the country. The program is geared toward students in fourth through sixth grades; however, some younger students with previous musical experience are enrolled as well. Piggy Hill Art Studio has opened the classes to homeschooled children in addition to those in public or private school.

During the classes, students explore seven pieces of music, including pieces from India, songs in Spanish and Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." For certain pieces, students will learn singing parts; for other pieces, they will learn how to play small instrument parts. The curriculum will introduce the kids to different melodies and rhythms, famous composers and orchestral instruments.

The concert at the end of the program will be interactive and has been designed for a younger audience. The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra will perform the pieces for a student audience, and each participating class will engage in a different aspect of each song. While some students will sing along, others will play melodies on recorders, and some will simply be involved by listening to the music. Musicians from the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra will guide the students through the performance while its conductor offers the young musicians direction.

"None of the kids in my class have ever been to an orchestra before," said Lori Rublesky, owner of Piggy Hill Art Studio. "Some of them have seen orchestras on TV before, but to have them learning about them and participating in one is so exciting." This is the first year that Piggy Hill Art Studio has offered the program, and Rublesky hopes to continue hosting it next year. So far, the students in her class have listened to a variety of compositions to learn about string, woodwind and percussion instruments and have focused on distinguishing different parts of a song.

Rublesky opened Piggy Hill Art Studio in 2022, but she has been teaching music lessons from her home in Drumore Township for several years. Rublesky still resides in the Southern End but wanted to open a studio in a less remote area to engage with the community more. In addition to its classes, Piggy Hill Art Studios offers live music, art courses, music lessons and community events such as a monthly barn dance. "Kids can come to develop their portfolios for college or hone their talents to get into a conservatory," Rublesky said. "We have a lot of fun and some great teachers."

For more information, visit http://www.rublesproductions.com.