Elementary Strings

Overview of Elementary Strings

Starting in the second grade, students have the opportunity to attend a weekly strings class. The students have the opportunity to explore the violin, viola, and cello. In fourth grade our students have the unique opportunity to play on stage with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra at the Von Braun Civic Center.

Meet the Teacher (2nd and 3rd grade strings)- Marcia Staples

My name is Mrs. Staples. I am happy to be a part of the Academy for Academics and Arts family. Teaching is my passion and each day I'm delighted to share the wonderful knowledge and the joy of music with each child. My Aspiration is for every child to take this Joy and inspire someone.
I am an alumna of the historical school, Oakwood University. My career in music spans over 23 years. I started my tenure with the Huntsville City Schools in 1997.

Meet the Teacher (4th and 5th grade)- Mary Peck

I have been an orchestra Magnet teacher since 1993! Prior to teaching, my musical background and training was begun in Huntsville in the Rocket City. I played in the Huntsville Youth Orchestra and then became one of the youngest members of the Huntsville Symphony while still in High School. My first teaching position was in Montgomery, Alabama teaching over 160 elementary students and 60 middle! It is an incredible pleasure to be with AAA. Helping turn musical/instrumental curiosity and desire into skill and artform and musicianship for each student to the best of our capacities is what drives me!
Family, son in High School and his Dad is a security installation specialist (and a musician too!) Our wonderful dog is Lucy.
I have been the principal violinist of the professional string quartet named ‘Felicity.’ I had a former career as the personnel manager of the Huntsville Symphony. I went to school in Pennsylvania and loved it and then came back to Huntsville and completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
I love to swim laps and ride a bicycle for exercise. When I was in High School, I was a very dedicated cheerleader with the Athletics Department of J.O.Johnson High School-Go Jaguars!