The New London Community Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The New London Community Orchestra seeks to serve New London and the surrounding region by providing an opportunity for volunteer musicians to play while also offering outreach to the community in the form of concerts and music education.
As part of our mission, we offer a free program of string instrument lessons for local students.
Click on the Music City Strings tab for more information.
Our Music Education Mission
The mission of the New London Community Orchestra includes a strong commitment to music education. As part of our mission, we have established Music City Strings, a program offering free music lessons in New London. Teachers and mentors help elementary school children learn to play the violin, viola, or cello in an after-school program in downtown New London.
The instruments for the program are donated by orchestra members, violin shops, and others in the community. All instrument maintenance and repair costs are covered by the New London Community Orchestra. Students can take instruments home for practice if parents sign an agreement taking responsibility for the instruments.
The program is open to existing students and students entering grades 4 and up. Lessons take place Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at the Public Library of New London.
Please do not sign up unless parent/guardian and child agree to maintain regular attendance.
Lessons are taught by a professional musician and teacher. Space is limited.
For more information, contact the orchestra at newlondonorchestra@gmail.com.
Student Handbook and Forms
Click on the links below to download the student handbook and instrument rental and care agreement.
Instrument Donations
If you have a violin, viola, or cello you would like to donate to Music City Strings, please contact orchestra president Chris Charland at (860) 912-0891 or email us at newlondonorchestra@gmail.com.
Sizes needed include quarter-, half-, and three-quarter size violins and cellos, as well as junior violas.