Dear Strings Students and Families,                                                                                                                           September, 2020

My name is Ms. Thompson and I am very excited to be starting my first year as the strings teacher at Bushy Park and Clarksville Elementary! While I won't be seeing you in person for a while, I can't wait to meet you on Google Meets and make music with you!

My primary goal as your strings teacher is to prepare every student musician to appreciate music as a performer, listener, and member of an orchestra community. In order to reach this goal, I will do everything in my power to help you develop adequate musical skills and promote your growth in musical understanding and appreciation. 

In accordance with this goal, instrumental music is taught so as to develop in EVERY student:

  • The ability to perform on a musical instrument
  • An understanding of the basic elements of music and the aesthetic beauty that is created
  • The ability to persevere in musical accomplishments, whether in an ensemble or as an individual
  • The understanding that making music is a team sport where every member is equally and uniquely important
  • The desire and ability to spread the cultural asset of music in society and the community
  • An appreciation for many genres of music that will last a lifetime

Orchestra is a commitment of time, money, and emotion. In this class, students will develop a sense of responsibility and perseverance as well as a sense of teamwork and unity. Students involved in orchestra are making a primary commitment for the entire school year.

There is much that is still unknown about this school year.  However, there is one thing I know for sure... we can make music in any situation and we need it now more than ever! I am committed to making virtual learning as meaningful and valuable as possible. I am ready to be creative and open-minded in the face of this new challenge.   

I hope each and every one of you will join me in orchestra this year as you strive to do your very best! Here’s to a very fun and musical year!

Sincerely,

Ms. Thompson

About Ms. Thompson 

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Wesley Thompson is the orchestra teacher at Bushy Park Elementary School and Clarksville Elementary School.

Ms. Thompson is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where she received a degree in Double Bass Performance and Music Education certification.  This past May, Ms. Thompson received her Master's Degree in Music Education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Along with teaching in Howard County Public Schools, Ms. Thompson is the conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Youth String Orchestra and maintains a substantial private double bass studio in the Baltimore area. Before joining the BSYO, Ms. Thompson conducted the Harford String Orchestra.

In addition to teaching full time during the school year, Ms. Thompson is also the Executive Director of Bass Works, an internationally renowned intensive summer program for bassists aged 5 and beyond and faculty. She is the also the co-founder of Basstravaganza, a small group bass summer camp for school aged musicians in Northern Virginia. A lifetime member of the International Society of Bassists, she has assisted with the young bassist division of the organization’s biannual conference. 
 
Ms. Thompson frequently acts as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in the Greater Baltimore area. She has acted as an orchestra assessment adjudicator and clinician in Cecil and Howard County, and has served as the guest conductor for the Calvert and Cecil All County orchestras. Ms. Thompson has also served as a solo and ensemble adjudicator in Howard County at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. 
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When she is not teaching or conducting, Ms. Thompson performs as a freelance musician on the double bass and electric bass as well as on the violone and viola da gamba.  She equally enjoys performing with orchestras, musical pits, and early music ensembles.
 
Outside of the music world, Ms. Thompson loves to pursue her three favorite hobbies, yoga, baking for her friends and family, and spending time with her dogs Banjo and Devo.

Contact Me

Clarksville ES
12041 Clarksville Pike 
Clarksville, Maryland 21029
Busy Park ES
14601 Carrs Mill Rd 
Glenwood, Maryland 21738
wesley_thompson@hcpss.org