The String Jam Fest Returns

By Emily Ashbolt

The String Jam Fest is here again. Friday, April 1, will see the second annual gathering of string players from around the community, brought together to share their love of stringed instruments.

Started by then-Newtown High School senior Alyssa Rodriguez in 2010 to earn her Gold Award Project for Girl Scouts, the event allows string players in Grades 5 through 12 to participate in “jamming” with other Newtown string players of all ages.

The String Jam Fest is taking place from 6 to 8 pm in the Newtown High School cafetorium. Last year, the event was for student performers only, but this year the event has been opened up to any adults interested. All lovers of violas, violins, cellos, and basses are encouraged to come, even if it is just to watch. The String Jam Fest encourages solo, duet, and group performances of any desired piece and also will involve performances by some of the local school orchestras, as well as opportunities for all participants to play some pieces together.

This event also will feature refreshments, raffles, and prizes, as well as Newtown Orchestra shirts available for purchase, although any members of the community who already own these shirts are encouraged to wear them.

“This isn’t a polished performance, merely a chance to get together to play some music just for fun,” said Mardi Smith, orchestra teacher at Reed Intermediate School and co-organizer of the String Jam Fest. “There will be prizes and food and lots of fun!”

Last year, Ms Rodriquez, who is now in college, said she organized the event because as a seventh grade student at Newtown Middle School she had been inspired by seeing the high school orchestra perform a medley from a Lord of the Rings movie. As a senior at NHS, Ms Rodriguez said she wanted to inspire other students the way she had been inspired. 

Any string players interested in participating should contact Michelle Hiscavitch at 203-426-7646, extension 8783.