Instructors

Liz

Ms. Elizabeth Handman (Tarantella, Viola Ensemble) teaches strings in the Arlington Central School District and performs as a violist with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. She attended CUNY Lehman and Manhattan School of Music, and has just completed her M.A.

Mr. Handman

Mr. Jonathan Handman (Mazurka, Vivace) directs the Symphony and Philharmonia orchestras at Arlington High School. As a cellist, Jon received his B.A. from Oberlin Conservatory and M.A. in conducting from SUNY Fredonia.

Phil

Mr. Phil Helm (Bass Ensemble) is Principal Bass with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. He also plays in the United States Military Band and is Assistant Principal Bass with the Albany Symphony. Phil teaches double bass at SUNY New Paltz and Bard College.

Laurel Pistey

Ms. Laurel Pistey (Cello Ensemble) is a Stringendo Alumnus who started with the program back in 2001 at its inception. She received her Bachelor of Music from the University of Illinois in 2009 and is currently working on her Master of Music degree at SUNY Purchase.

Kristina Rizzo

Mrs. Kristina Rizzo (Prelude) has been teaching strings in Arlington School District for 19 years at the elementary and middle school levels. She attended Crane School of Music (B.M.) and Western Connecticut State University (M.S.).

Mrs. Schaad

Mrs. Carole Schaad (Strawberries, Raspberries, Suzuki group class) directs the Strawberry Hill Strings Suzuki program in Rhinebeck.

Emily

Miss Emily Schaad (Intermezzo, Chaconne, Strawberries, Cranberries, Boysenberries) is currently pursuing a doctorate in music education, and recently earned a masters degree in Appalachian Music: Roots and Influences at Appalachian State University. She received her B.M. from Curtis Institute and plays fiddle and banjo.

 

Administration

 

Emily Schaad, Executive Director

Jonathan Handman, Artistic Director

Emily Sarah Goldstone (Administrative Assistant) is a Stringendo and Strawberry Hill Fiddlers alum. She attended Boston University and received a B.A. in Musicology and Philosophy.

 

 

Board of Directors

 

 

Eileen Chadwick, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).  Director, Adelphi University Graduate School of Social Work.


Susan Correll, Director of International Programs, Vassar College


James West Davidson, Independent Historian, Ph. D. Yale University


Lisa Rubenstein, Principal Court Attorney for a family court judge.


Adene Wilson, Retired Teacher, Spackenkill School Union Free Schools and Director, MODFEST, Vassar College Arts Festival