The Sounds of Music

Text By Ruth Melville
Photo Courtesy of Meg Hill

In 2018 the Norfolk Board of Education reluctantly decided, for budgetary reasons, to eliminate the strings part of Botelle School’s music curriculum. But thanks to the talents of Meg Hill, a professional violinist and experienced teacher, children—and adults—will soon be able to again take violin lessons in town.

Before moving to Norfolk in 2019, Hill had a home music studio in Westchester County, N.Y. In addition, after starting with an afterschool class of only four violin students, she developed a program for her local school district that grew to encompass an entire strings orchestra program for grades 4 through 12. She has a degree in violin performance from the Oberlin Conservatory, a master’s in education from City University of New York, and is a certified Suzuki teacher. She also performs with the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra and cofounded and is managing director of Music at Port Milford, a summer music festival and academy in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

Hill decided to offer violin classes in Norfolk after she heard Elizabeth Allyn discuss the idea of starting an instrumental music program as part of the work of the Church of Christ Congregational’s Fellowship and Growth Team. Allyn is minister of music at the church, but she was also the music, chorus and string teacher at Botelle School for 15 years before retiring when the strings program was cut.

Given her background and experience, Hill was intrigued by the possibility of starting a music program, and she presented a formal proposal to the church and to the Battell Arts Foundation.

Students in grades 3 through 6 will not need to rent or purchase their own instruments. When Botelle School disbanded its program, they put the instruments—around 20 violins and four cellos, originally donated by the Battell Arts Foundation—safely in storage. These small violins, just the right size for children ages seven to 12, will be available to borrow. Also, there will be an opportunity for students in grades 3 to 12 to apply for need-based scholarships through the Battell Arts Foundation.

Classes are set to begin the week of Oct. 9. Group classes, taught in 10-week sessions, will be offered at two levels: a beginner class for grades 3 to 6 and a beginner/intermediate class for grades 4 to 8. Beginner classes meet either Thursday afternoons after school or Saturday mornings. The beginner/intermediate class is on Thursday afternoons. Classes will be taught in the Community Space at Battell Chapel, on the village green.

Older learners will get a chance to study the violin as well. Hill will offer private lessons for all ages and levels on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Hill says, “I am excited to have the opportunity to bring the joy of playing the violin back to the wonderful community of Norfolk, which has a remarkable tradition of fostering the arts. In speaking with people about getting this program up and running, I have encountered support and enthusiasm across the board, from the Fellowship and Growth Team at the UCC, individual members of the Battell Arts Foundation, Botelle and Colebrook elementary schools and the Norfolk Hub. Indeed, it takes a village. Let’s get those violins singing!”

Full information on prices, schedules and scholarships can be found on Hill’s website, norfolkviolinlessons.com.