Saint Agatha School offers students in grades 1 through 8 the opportunity to participate in the Effman Band & String Program, a structured and inclusive music education initiative. Led by Mrs. Jennifer Hawes. This year, group lessons were held on Monday afternoons and are open to students at all levels of experience.

The program introduces the violin to younger students, and beginning in grade 3, students can continue with the violin or choose from a range of band instruments, including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and drums. Lessons focus on core musical skills, including note reading, rhythm, tone quality, and ensemble performance, with students grouped by experience level to ensure effective instruction.

This program is designed to support consistent, long-term growth in music. Students build foundational skills and gradually advance in both individual and group musicianship. The emphasis on ensemble work helps students develop cooperation, listening skills, and musical confidence.

In addition to weekly instruction, the program provides extended opportunities for advanced students. Honor Band students from Catholic and Private schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island were brought together to perform at Faneuil Hall for the 2025 Southern Massachusetts/Rhode Island Catholic and Private School Honor Band. Several SAS students were honored to represent our school! Thank you to Band Director, Jen Hawes!
Congratulations to all on a fantastic performance! They performed on May 20, 2025, at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall.

To explore the program, families can visit Pemusic.com/join. 

We would also like to take this moment to recognize and applaud our talented Saint Agatha School student musicians for their dedication and hard work this school year: Gabriel A., Iyla P., Nolah T., Elizabeth W., Aiden B., Ciara C., Kimberly E., Matty J., Jin L., Nathan R., and Noah R. If you have any recent photos from our school band concert, please email them to [email protected]. 
Thank you!