Highlights from the Season Finale Concert

An exceptionally fun week of rehearsals with guest musicians Jesse Holstein and Chelsea Bernstein came to a close with a great afternoon of music at the Great Friends Meeting House on Saturday. Our thanks to theNewport Historical Society for hosting us so generously. Thanks also to photographer Jack Renner, Newport Vineyards and The French Confection. And finally, an extra special mention for our students Autumn, Amari and Jayden for their courageous and stylish performance of Hot Croissants and Au Clair de la Lune!

Newport County Fund awards $5000 to the Newport String Project

The Newport String Project is delighted to be the recipient of a grant from the Newport County Fund of the Rhode Island Foundation. This funding will provide key support to our educational and performance programming in our third season. We deeply appreciate this investment from the Newport County Fund as we work towards creating a vibrant environment for our students to learn and thrive.  

Season Finale Concert at the Great Friends Meeting House

Join us for a festive afternoon of string quartets in celebration of the Newport String Project's second season...

Directors and violinists EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and Ealain McMullin will be joined by guest musicians, Jesse Holstein (viola) and Chelsea Bernstein (cello). The program will feature string quartets by Mozart, Weinberg and Ravel.

Co-presented with the Newport Historical Society, the concert will take place in the unique and historic surrounds of the Great Friends Meeting House.

The performance begins at 4pm and will be followed by a reception. Admission is by donation - all proceeds will benefit the performance and educational programming of the Newport String Project...

If you have attended a Newport String Project concert and liked what you heard, bring new friends and spread the word!

Spring is here!

Who can resist a little learning musicmaking amidst the famous Newport daffodils? We took our class outside to the grounds of the Great Friends Meeting House.

Right before launching into a soulful rendition of Hot Cross Buns, student Amari noticed people strolling around in the distance also enjoying the sunshine, and declared excitedly "Hey, now EVERYONE can enjoy our music!"

In the Classical Style at the Redwood Library

In the beautiful surrounds of the Harrison Room at the Redwood Library, we were thrilled to share a program of string quartets from the height of the classical era. Guest artist Jesse Holstein shared an insightful pre-concert talk as part of our Tune In series, which set the stage for a high-energy afternoon of vibrant chamber music.  

  

Our thanks to the Redwood Library, Frank Leith of the Newport Photographers Guild and the enthusiastic concert-goers.

Flights of Fancy at the Norman Bird Sanctuary

On Thursday, April 30^th at 7pm the Newport String Project returns to the Norman Bird Sanctuary with Flights of Fancy, an evening of traditional fiddle music and poetry. Drawing upon birds and flight as inspiration, we invite you to join us in this mingling of lyricism in word and melody. Fiddler EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and guitarist Mike Sokolovsky will be joined by poet David Dragone and reader Adrienne Taylor to bring you a performance that invites your imagination to take wing.

When: Thursday, April 30^th at 7pm

Where: Mabel’s Studio at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown RI 02842

Tickets: $20 members, $25 non-members

Early registration advised - REGISTER HERE.

Storytime at the Newport Public Library

A paper violin comes to LIFE!

On March 28th at 10:30 at the Newport Public Library, the directors of the Newport String Project will present a morning of music and storytelling.

Children and their parents are invited to listen to, and participate in, the story of Diego and his magic violin. Diego will be joined by the class of beginning students from the Martin Luther King Center and together they will demonstrate how a paper violin can become real through the power of music.

The audience of parents and children will enter into the story as Diego and his friends learn to make their paper violins sing. Through song and movement, children will discover what happens when you sprinkle a little magic on a paper violin.

The story is especially intended for five- to ten-year-olds, but all are welcome.

The power of a little inspiration

This year's beginner violinists are busily working away with their lovingly crafted paper violins but what about those second year students that already have instruments? These young violinists and violists are progressing beautifully - demonstrating "5 star" bowhands, chasing the art of smooth bowing and relishing the challenges of finding notes with the left hand. It can be a daunting moment - suddenly, the scale of the journey ahead is being revealed and it can become a little overwhelming. Now more than ever, the new skills must be practiced in order to become natural. While our students never cease to inspire us with their progress, it is a good time to have a little extra help on hand. Last week, Newport String Project parents were invited to the MLK center to discuss the importance of practice. Using the metaphor of an iceberg, we talked about how students that show up at class reap the rewards at the "tip of the iceberg", but that access to the richest rewards of learning an instrument are "below sea level" and only come with consistent and healthy practice. We explored some strategies and discussed the challenges of already overstuffed family schedules. Still, it was an excellent first step in brainstorming ways to continue learning and ritual beyond the classroom.

After a nuts-and-bolts week of drilling skills with students and outlining practice strategies with parents, it was more than time to take a step back and remember the big picture... Fortunately, we had a visit from an extra special group of young musicians who could put the conversation into perspective.

On Monday, the students, families and friends of the Newport String Project gathered at the MLK Center for a community dinner. A wonderful feature of its community programming, the MLK Center regularly hosts community dinners and generously offered to host a dinner for families enrolled in the Newport String Project. As families sat down to delicious plates of pasta (thank you Chef Jamie!), it was a special treat to introduce a group of visitors from our parent organization Community MusicWorks in Providence. Longtime CMW parent/board member/volunteer extraordinaire Linda Daniels was on hand to share her perspectives on being the parent of a young musician. The centerpiece of the evening was a performance of a Telemann 4 Violin Concerto by Andrew, Alana, Heather and Jessenia - all members of Community MusicWorks' innovative Phase II teen youth leadership program. To witness this quartet in action of course demonstrated the importance of long-term commitment to learning an instrument, but it was also a beautiful reminder of the way that music is an oral tradition that can connect people from different communities.

Afterwards, our students were inevitably wowed by these cool teen violinists. Violinist Connor shook his head anticipating that it might take a long long time to get "that good". Another violinist Juan put down his cupcake and declared emphatically that the Telemann was "INCREDIBLE". We couldn't agree more!

In the Classical Style - Quartets at the Redwood on March 22nd

The Newport String Project returns to the Redwood Library for a program of masterworks for string quartet by Haydn and Mozart. From rollicking rhythms to luscious largos to delectable dissonance, this program has a little something for everyone. Violinists and Newport String Project directors EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and Ealain McMullin will be joined by guest artists Jesse Holstein, viola, and Megan Koch, cello. Call 847-0292, ext. 112, to make a reservation.

Join us on March 22nd for Tune In! at 2.15pm and Performance at 3pm.

PROGRAM Franz Joseph Haydn - String Quartet in D Major, op. 76 no. 5 "Largo" Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - String Quartet in C Major "Dissonance", K. 465

Admission is by donation.

Images from Inspired by Folk at Ochre Court

 

   

Many thanks to Jan Armor and Eric Hovermale from the Newport Photographers Guild for these images!

Paper Violin Building - the 2015 edition

One of the highlights of the pilot season was when our first pioneering group of Newport String Project students created cardboard violins and violas in collaboration with their parents. (Read more about the Paper Orchestra here.) This week, it was the turn of our new first year students and their parents! This is just the only the beginning of the road for the paper violins - check back soon for updates... Many thanks to NSP parent Katie Bendl for capturing these images for us!               

Inspired by Folk - music from around the world for violin and piano

Join the Newport String Project for a musical voyage around the world! Travelling from America to China to Europe, this concert will feature chamber music for violin and piano, by composers who have been inspired and influenced by folk music. The program includes works by Coleridge-Taylor, Ward, Wang, Bartok and de Falla. Newport String Project directors and violinists, EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and Ealain McMullin will be joined for this special program by guest artists Lisa Barksdale, violin and Jeff Louie, piano.

The concert will take place at Ochre Court, Salve Regina University on February 7th. Join us for Tune In! at 6:45pm and Performance begins at 7:30pm.

Admission is by donation.

(Passports/suitcases not required!)

Highlights from Serenade

              

Many thanks to Jack Renner for these images!

Serenade - String trios by Beethoven, Schubert and Kodaly

The Newport String Project invites you to our first concert of 2015!

On Sunday January 25th, we will be setting up our music stands in the beautiful Hawes room at Trinity Church for "Serenade", a program of perennial favorites and hidden gems for string trio by Beethoven, Schubert and Kodaly. We are delighted to be joined by returning guest artists Annalisa Boerner, viola and Heath Marlow, cello.

Join us for Tune In! at 3.15pm and Performance begins at 4pm.

Admission is by donation.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Coming Soon - Kaleidoscope

The Newport String Project is delighted to announce details of the second concert of its season. On December 13^th, the project presents “Kaleidoscope” an evening of 20^th and 21^st century music for strings, percussion and electronics. The concert will take place at Empire Tea and Coffee, 22 Broadway, Newport.

Newport String Project directors and resident violinists, Ealain McMullin and EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks will be joined by guest artists Lauren Latessa, cello and Piero Guimaraes, percussion. The concert will feature dynamic, colorful and inventive works by Honstein, Prokofiev, Ravel, and Volness.

The evening begins at 6.45pm with “Tune In!” a pre-concert conversation with the musicians sharing insights into the process behind the music. Performance begins at 7.30pm.

Admission is by donation – all welcome.

Program

ROBERT HONSTEIN - Patter

MAURICE RAVEL - Sonata for Violin and Cello

KIRSTEN VOLNESS - Etoiles de Mer for cello, percussion and stereo sound

SERGEI PROKOFIEV - Sonata for Two Violins

A season of gratitude and giving

 

“Like a tree, I’m standing tall...” is the opening line of a poem that is very familiar to the violin and viola students of the Newport String Project. It invites the students to stand with steadiness, flexibility and pride as they hold and play their instruments. It also serves as a gentle reminder about the importance of noticing the ground beneath your feet and finding your roots.

This idea has special relevance for us in the second season of the Newport String Project. This year, our focus turns towards strengthening the roots laid during the pilot year, as well as peeking skywards and trying new things.

At this time of year, we feel especially thankful for all the community support that has enabled the project to become more than a “seedling”. In that spirit, we would like to share some of the highlights of our second season so far…

Nurturing the spark

This fall, we are delighted to have expanded our educational programming at the MLK Center, almost doubling student enrollment. In addition to their twice weekly group lessons, our 14 continuing students (ages 5-10) now receive weekly individual lessons. While the group classes offer the rewards of being part of an ensemble, we have also noticed the eager anticipation with which the students ask, “Do I have my lesson today?” This one-to-one environment creates a unique space for each student to thrive.

And the community of student musicians is growing! Since October, thirteen new students (K and 1^st graders) participate in a weekly group class called Music in Motion. Through storytelling, singing and movement games, the students are learning crucial fundamentals that will prepare them to participate in Paper Orchestra in January.

Building community connections

Our students recently brought their music-making into the community, performing as the opening act at “Roll Up the Rug”, a family dance workshop, presented in partnership with Common Fence Music. This high-energy event, featuring the Rusty Pickup String Band, drew an enthusiastic audience from all across Newport county for an afternoon of fiddling, dance and laughter. With more family workshops in store, we look forward to strengthening the connections between families throughout the community.

Enriching the concert experience

Launching with a memorable concert of quartets by Haydn and Beethoven, our concert season is off to a wonderful start and we look forward to bringing seven more inspiring concerts to Newport audiences. New this year is our “Tune In!” series of pre-concert events, enabling the audience to learn about the background and process behind the music, and to connect with our exceptional guest artists.

As the program continues to deepen its roots, your support will enable the Newport String Project to grow stronger and stand taller. We hope that you will consider including the project in your annual giving, as we continue in our mission to enrich community life in Newport through access to inspiring musical experiences for all.

With gratitude,

EmmaLee and Ealain

Newport String Project Directors

For further information on ways to donate, please click HERE.

Duo of Versatile Violinists Feature in Newport This Week

We are delighted to share this article about the Newport String Project from Newport This Week by Mark Gorman. http://www.newportthisweek.com/news/2014-11-20/Around_Town/Duo_of_Versatile_Violinists.html

Highlights from the Rusty Pick Up String Band Residency

November was a busy month for us here at the Newport String Project! In collaboration with Common Fence Music, the Newport String Project hosted "Roll Up the Rug - an old time family dance workshop" presented by the Rusty Pick Up String Band.

To kick-off the fiddling proceedings, the young violin and viola students of the Newport String Project gave a rousing rendition of the Chicken Reel.

       

It was a proud moment for the young musicians - made all the sweeter for their teachers by the discovery of this anonymous note after the event was over! (We have it on good authority that the viola students are equally as proud!)

This was followed by a fabulously energetic workshop of foot-stompin', toe-tappin', handclappin' fun, led by master caller Jim Hicks, with music by Newport String Project director EmmaLee on violin, the endlessly energetic Peggy Holmes on keyboard and Common Fence's own Tom Perrotti on guitar.

And for some footage of the fancy footwork, click here to watch perennial favorite Seven Jumps!

If you missed the workshop this time around, fear not - the Rustys will be back on February 15th for another Community Dance at Emmanuel!

Snapshot from the classroom

We are delighted to have expanded our educational programming to include weekly individual lessons for this year's continuing students. This one-to-one lesson is a special time, when each student can shape their learning, focusing on what is inspiring to them and fully realize their strengths. And while our students love their individual lessons, learning together brings a lot of joy. Here is where friendships are deepened and the classroom community is strengthened. Group learning is at the core of the famed Venezuelan music education system, El Sistema. One of the values El Sistema students learn from the beginning is that "As soon as you have learned something, it is your responsibility to teach it to someone else." This practice of peer mentoring is one that takes many years to build but creates a deep sense of community among the students and is a reminder that music is an oral tradition.

The practice of peer mentoring is something we hope to instill in the students of the Newport String Project. In these clips, two of our students practice the skill through role play - taking turns being the teacher and the student. As you can see, while learning how to hold the bow is a serious and sophisticated business, there is still plenty of room for fun!

Part I

http://youtu.be/3R9hOdSUT5I

Part II

http://youtu.be/AhadGZEtuNc

Roll Up the Rug, Old Time Family Dance Workshop

Come join us for a trip back to pioneer days. We’ll recreate the old-fashioned barn dance with the authentic hoedowns, reels, square dances and games that the early American settlers enjoyed. Young and not-so-young, families and singles, everyone is invited. The Rusty Pickup String Band will provide the toe-tapping tunes and an experienced dance “caller” will teach you everything you need to know. It’s contagious fun that few can resist.

 

Common Fence Music Hall

933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI

November 22, 2 – 4 pm

For more information call 309-256-0043

 

Brought to you Free of Charge 

by Common Fence Music and the Newport String Project 

as part of this season's Horn of Plenty Music.