The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society (MVCMS) has completed another successful year of support for youth strings players. We were able to offer a virtual Artist in Residence Program (AIR) in the spring of 2021 by the Rasa String Quartet. Contact with students included ensemble coaching, private lessons for 5th through 8th grade students and a virtual concert, recorded and distributed to school music personnel for use in classes.

This fall the strings program is growing! The programs are experiencing increased demand from second and third grade students blocked out of participation in the last school year. Instruments from the smallest 1/8th size to our full size are loaned out. New this year, and in addition to our regular education programs we are helping to support 18 students in 5th through 12th grades to participate in the Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra and younger youth ensemble. Students are participating in monthly rehearsals on the Cape and have regular visits from the youth ensemble conductor. We are seeking a cello instructor for the program and we have secured funding for an AIR in the spring.

In August MVCMS celebrated our long-time Artistic Director, Delores Stevens. MVCMS celebrated a first in November, sponsoring the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra at the Performing Arts Center. We close out the year with a virtual concert from Diane Braun’s Music Street performers. We are anticipating an exciting 2022 with more music and continued support for strings education on MV.