Mequon-Thiensville School District

About the MTSD Elementary Orchestra

Welcome to the Mequon-Thiensville Elementary Orchestra.  The MTSD orchestra program begins in fourth grade offering violin, viola, cello and bass, and provides a comprehensive music performance experience to over 500 students in grades 4-12.  The MTSD believes that the Arts play an essential role in the education and life experiences of students and members of the community. 

The fourth and fifth grade orchestra students attend two large ensemble rehearsals before school and receive one 30 minute small group lesson during the school day each week.  Lessons are scheduled throughout the day on a rotational basis (see my lesson schedules page for exact days and times.)

All beginning orchestra students in the Mequon-Thiensville School District use the Artistry in Strings method book.  We will continue to use this book into the second year along with a variety of grade level 1-2 string orchestra arrangements.

About Mrs. Aswegan

My love for music began early in my life.  By age 4 my parents enrolled me in Suzuki violin lessons and soon I was involved in many different musical activities.  I played flute in the school band, bass guitar in the jazz band and violin at the MacPhail Center for the Arts in Minneapolis, MN.   I attended UW-Eau Claire and received a Bachelors of Music Education in December of 2001.  During my senior year at UW-Eau Claire I student taught at Menomonee, WI Middle School and High School.  The second half of student teaching was on an American Military base in Ramstein, Germany.  While teaching in Germany I traveled all over Europe and really fell in love with traveling.  After returning back home I accepted a long term substitute position at Menomonee High School for the orchestra teacher who was on maternity leave.  In 2002 I began teaching elementary music in the Mequon-Thiensville Schools.  I completed my Masters in Teaching Music from the University of Northern Arizona the summer of 2006.  I also currently teach Suzuki violin lessons from my home in Port Washington.  I enjoy traveling with my husband and playing with my dog Coda.