Stringendo, Inc. is a non-profit community music school located in Dutchess County, NY. We offer youth orchestras, traditional fiddling classes, and a summer music camp.
Our Programs
Stringendo, Orchestra School of the Hudson Valley, began in the fall of 2001 as a year round extension of Summer Strings music camp. Its six string orchestras rehearse Saturday mornings, currently enrolling over 200 students between the ages of 7 and 18. Stringendo orchestras have performed at conferences for MENC, ASTA and NYSSMA, as well as in Cleveland, Rochester (NY), Atlanta, Minneapolis and Amherst, MA. In April 2009, Vivace won the title of Grand Champion at the National Orchestra Festival sponsored by ASTA.
Strawberry Hill Fiddlers hosts 4 fiddle groups where students learn traditional fiddle styles by ear. Performances include singing, dancing, improvisation and body percussion and represent the music of many cultures. The Fiddlers have performed throughout Scotland and across the United States. They released their second CD, I Said Love, in June, 2009.
Summer Strings is a three-week day camp for string players in 3rd through 10th grades. In 2009, Summer Strings hosted 250 students from 64 different schools in the Hudson Valley region! Students divide their time between learning fiddle tunes by ear and playing in string orchestra. Fiddle groups are small (6-11 students) and present their own arrangements in performance. Students participate in “Music Jeopardy” (rhythms and musical terms), workshops in traditional dance, and daily concerts by staff and guest artists. Visiting performers and teachers have included Lissa Schneckenburger, John Kirk and Trish Miller, Judy Hyman, Abby Newton, John Hoffman, Cecil Gurganus, David Kaynor, and Bruce Molsky.
Our Mission
Stringendo, Orchestra School of the Hudson Valley, draws on the traditions of string instruments to provide the highest level of music education to area students in elementary, middle and high school. Stringendo's faculty are outstanding musicians who use their talents to develop the artistic potential of each individual enrolled. The school offers string orchestras at every level as well as traditional and modern fiddle instruction. Student skills are enhanced as they engage in workshops with nationally acclaimed artists, participate in competitions regionally and nationally, and regularly perform in concerts open to the public. Committed to bringing its musical offering to a wide community, the school raises funds to provide financial aid where needed. In short, Stringendo provides a nurturing environment in which all students can learn to love music and to excel at it.
