Holyoke Summer Strings Marks Its 10th Anniversary in the City, Bringing Fine Arts to the Community

By Amanda Metcalfe July 30, 2015

HOLYOKE, MA- Summer was sizzling as the Holyoke Summer Strings program came to its grand finale in a concert on Wednesday, July 29 at the Museum. Over 50 students aged 5-11 participated in the program, the grounds awash with student performances on guitar, violin, cello, chorus, and dance ensemble. Over 20 students aged 12-15 were also included in a previous concert hosted at the Farmer’s Market at .

The Holyoke Summer Strings Program is a five-week intensive fine arts immersion in string instruction, choral techniques, visual art experiences, and creative movement. Children enrolled in the program are guaranteed a stringed instrument, inclusion in all activities, breakfast and lunch daily, and air-conditioned rehearsal space in Holyoke Public School buildings- all free of charge to the families of . Several opportunities to perform in local community hotspots are also included. This summer, the Holyoke Summer Strings performed at the Farmer’s Market in Holyoke City Hall, Nick’s Nest (a local hotdog joint), and The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. These concerts have drawn crowds from the community to come and enjoy the concerts, including distinguished attendees Mayor of the City of Holyoke and State Representative Aaron Vega. Of the program, Mayor Morse has said, “The summer strings program is a true gem. This type of cultural programming is vital to holistic child development. Jenifer Gelineau, her staff, and the Friends of the Holyoke Public Schools should be commended for providing this to Holyoke youth over the past ten years.”

Unique to the program is the process of fundraising and coordinating staff. The program is funded annually through grants from the Friends of Holyoke Public Schools, the Holyoke Cultural Council, and MIFAA, which provided guitar instruction for the program this year. In addition, a GoFundMe page for the Holyoke Summer Strings program directly funds teacher stipends, materials, instrument repair and care, field trips, transportation, and other necessities. Jenifer Gelineau, Program Director and Principal Instructor, states “It’s exciting for me to see the community’s eager support for the program through the GoFundMe page. I also love to share updates with those who have supported us and the families we serve.”

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the program’s coordination by Jenifer Gelineau. “I was immediately inspired to build upon this program, which comes from the vision of Jackie Melnick of Musicorda. When I first started working in this program, it was only a few hours a day, but with the community’s support, it has flourished into a multidimensional fine arts program that is starting to bring the to the Holyoke community.” State Representative Aaron Vega added, “I am proud to support the Holyoke Summer Strings both as a local business owner and as the State Rep for the city. This program is one that should make every resident proud. To see the sense of accomplishment and pride on the kids’ and parents’ faces is priceless [sic]. Jen and her team run a great program that not only teaches music, but also self-esteem, teamwork, and respect. It’s always a joy to see the kids perform throughout the summer.”

The Holyoke Summer Strings Program would like to thank camp instructors Amanda Metcalfe (chorus), Joe Ricker (guitar), Charles Smith (cello), Lea Waldbillig (dance), Diana Waldon (violin), Carolyn Walker (violin), Deborah Vega of Vega Yoga, and Loren Groenendaal of Philadelphia Arts Education. Additionally, the program would like to thank Dr. Ethan Nash for his digital piano accompaniment of the Summer Strings Chorus and student interns Kaishla Cabrera, Emma Price, Neishaly Rivera, Josie Moriarty, Chasidy Nazario, Felipe Cintron, Shana Santos, Elijah Bermudez, Meagan Breen, Helena Middleton, Joel Gonzalez, Sasha Middleton, and Daniel Agosto of the Holyoke Public Schools.

For information on how to donate and/or support the Holyoke Summer Strings Program in its future endeavors, please contact Jenifer Gelineau via e-mail at [email protected].