Summer Strings and SHIP

Each summer, our community has a program called Summer Strings.  It's in the basement of a church once a week and all string players in the surrounding areas are invited to participate.  Their music includes a wide range of favorites from "Sunrise, Sunset" and "Be Our Guest" to "Star Wars" and "Hamster Dance."  Some of the music is really challenging, but Sam and Sterling enjoy playing with the group.  The culmination of their efforts is an open-air concert in the amphitheater of a park. 

The boys before their concert

Tonight it's onto new adventures.  Sam has played with the University orchestra through a program called SHIP (Symphonic Honors Initiative Program) for three years now.  Sterling has been looking forward to the time when he could participate as well.  Several months ago his teacher told him what is required and he got to work.  Sterling has met each goal and has earned the privilege to play right along with the college students this year.  He's pretty nervous for his first rehearsal, but I know he's in good hands and this will be an awesome experience for him.  The first concert is always "Fright Night" where the entire orchestra is dressed in Halloween costumes.  It's a great time!