LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM
10.27.20
STRONG STRINGS Members of Strolling Strings talk about their favorite parts of being in the group CAROLINE EDGAR
easy, but it really isn’t, so we have to practice that,” Murry said. opinions editor Members of the group spend time in the multipurpose he soft hum of voices outside the room buzzes in the room, weaving in and out of tables to practice how they air. The players wait behind the door, instruments in move around a performance venue. Performance venues hand, for the signal from their director that it is time vary widely from nursing homes to expensive gatherings. “Typically, we’re playing for events, usually not where to go out into the audience. Only five minutes remain. The people are sitting and enjoying the performance as the group has been practicing this set for weeks, and it’s time main thing,” Murry said. “We are entertainment music so to show off their hard work. A quiet voice can be heard by there’s usually other things going on, and so maybe people the door: “Three, two, one, go.” are having their dinner and we’re walking through and enThe Strolling Strings is a group composed of Ladue tertaining as they’re eating, and maybe some sort of event orchestra students. The group uses their talents at events where people are milling about doing other things like an where they “stroll” through the audience as they play auction event.” music. The group has been around for over 30 years and Event planners can hire the group to play at any venue was founded by Lois Percival. The current directors of the they need them at, providing both group are Ladue orchestra teachers music for the event and experience for Elizabeth Dalbey and Twinda Murry. the members of the group. Members Senior Katie Schneider plays the of the group are also able to meet new viola, which is one of the instrumental We’re background people, make friends and have new options for players in the group, among music, but that kind experiences with the music group. other options such as the violin, cello, of music is important “All of Strolling Strings is a family, double bass and piano. Members of the too. It’s a different kind so I think we’ve all become friends group are all part of the Ladue orchesof performing, but it’s with each other,” senior and bass tra, and normally practice on Tuesdays important because player Noah Smock said. “With all our from 7 to 8 p.m. music permeates our practicing, it would be impossible to “It’s a nice kind of cooldown from lives. hold a grudge and keep working, so the rest of what’s happening in the middle of the week,” Schneider said. TWINDA MURRY | DIRECTOR we are all very friendly with each other.” Rehearsals have many components, While the group forms bonds, but tend to focus on a couple specific goals. One of these goals is playing the music repeatedly it helps with major life skills too. For example, members gain confidence through performing. to help the players memorize it. “I didn’t have a lot of confidence freshman “The goal is to, first of all, make sure we’re playyear, and I was not great at going around the ing through as much of the show as possible each tables because I was afraid everyone was week,” Murry said, “because the students gonna hear me mess up, and it turns out if who play violin and viola are playing you mess up it’s okay, because someone memorized.” However, rehearsals are not only for else will be playing louder,” Schneider said. “So I got better at having confimemorization. Members of Strolldence, and now I’m the one playing ing Strings also have to practice louder so that other people can moving while playing. mess up without having to be “You’d think that just walkscared.” p ing and playing, that should be
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