JSO’s Community Music School Launches New Low-Cost Tuition for String Team Program

A new era of accessible music education is beginning in Jackson. Thanks to the generous support of the Flagstar Foundation and the Walters Family Foundation, the Jackson Symphony Orchestra’s Ronald and Marvel Jones Community Music School (CMS) is dramatically lowering the cost of its beloved String Team program for students ages 9–14.

For over 25 years, String Team has been one of the largest and most impactful after-school music programs in Jackson County. Founded in 1999, the program was created in direct response to widespread cuts in school music programs. Today, with 90% of Jackson County schools lacking string instruction, String Team provides a vital opportunity for young musicians to learn, grow, and perform.

NEW TUITION MODEL – Classes begin September 29th week

• 1st & 2nd Year Students: Reduced from $400 → Now just $30 violin rental
• Junior Strings: Reduced from $400 → Now $200 tuition + $30 instrument rental

This historic price drop is made possible through:

• $15,000 from the Flagstar Foundation supporting instructor compensation!
• $47,000 from the Walters Family Foundation covering student tuition, instructor compensation, staff support, and a $100 instrument rental stipend per student – bringing rental costs to just $30!

“The new pricing structure removes barriers and ensures that every child who wants to try violin has the chance to pick one up and learn,” said Jed Fritzemeier, Director of Music Education. “Once barriers are removed and kids’ minds are opened, it always amazes me which kids choose to play strings.”

String Team’s Impact in Jackson:

• 43 school presentations in 12 schools annually.
• Over 1,100+ students get the chance to hold a violin.
• 3 community performances each year, reaching nearly 2,000 audience members.
• 1,300 elementary students experience a String Team & JSO Education Concert.
• 40–60 students enroll annually, building lifelong skills and friendships.

What Students Learn:
Students progress through three levels of group classes, mastering core violin skills like posture, memorization, rhythm, reading music, harmony, and musical expression. A unique Belt Testing System—modeled after karate belts—motivates students to earn colored ribbons for each new skill achieved.

“Violin has taught Veronica that hard work and dedication is needed to obtain her goals. I’m so impressed with what she has already accomplished.” – Emily Niecko, CMS Parent

Meet the Instructors:

• Jed Fritzemeier – Director of Music Education
• Mark Mathias – 1st Year Instructor & Program Founder
• Matthew Polson – 1st Year Instructor
• Laura Coleman – 2nd Year Instructor
• Paul Moodie – Junior Strings Instructor

About CMS
The mission of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra’s Ronald and Marvel Jones Community Music School is to provide world-class music education that is accessible to all in the greater Jackson community. Learn more at jacksonmusicschool.org.

Enrollment is now open for Fall 2025.