Note: From Sandy Marcucci,
Co-Founder/Director

Welcome to the Inaugural edition of the Strings International Music Festival On-Line Newsletter. Within the “pages” of this quarterly e-mail you will find exciting information referencing our Strings Festival including: Highlights from the exciting 2003 Festival at Bryn Mawr College; Philadelphia Orchestra News Line; Upcoming Strings Festival events; Exciting information about Strings 2004; a special edition of “Kim’s Corner” in which Artistic Director Kimberly Fisher will offer advice on private practice, conquering those pre-performance jitters, perfecting your technique, choosing a career in classical music, and much more. In upcoming issues you will also learn about our new monthly chat room, which will include “special appearances” from Kimberly and other members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. We hope you will enjoy this new publication and that you send us your Strings 2003 photos for inclusion in upcoming newsletters. All alumni pictures and comments can be sent to us directly from our site, or you can:

Strings Things

Next year’s festival dates have been set: June 19 to July 2, 2004. We will begin with registration on Saturday, June 19. Our Grand Finale will take place at the close of the festival: Friday, July 2. Kimberly and I have another great two weeks of music education, performance, competition, private practice marathons, and just plain FUN planned for all returning and new Strings Festival students (and you can still make it home in time to celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends)!

Our early registration discount has been extended to December 20th. Students that register and pay in full by this date will receive an extra $100 off tuition. Students that register with a $200 deposit will receive a $50 discount. All students who register by December 20 will receive a complimentary set of D’Addario strings. Don’t miss this opportunity to register early!

Congratulations to Christopher Prestia…

Chris will receive a second set of D’Addario cello strings for having been the first alumni student to register for Strings 2004. Chris registered in early September

Dear Music Friends,

Welcome to the first edition of Strings On Line. Sandy Marcucci and I are very excited to share our Strings Newsletter with you. I’m personally looking forward to offering tips and reminders that will help you improve your musicianship, practice methods, performance level and much more.

Some of the topics I have in mind for future newsletters are: getting the most from your private lessons, how to solve a nasty technique habit, surviving performance jitters, chamber music rehearsal etiquette, good practice “rules” that really make a difference, how to become a more rounded musician, and my personal favorite: technical tools to help you express more.

Here’s to a healthy and productive winter season and remember: “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes PERMANENT.” Make sure you’re focused on doing it right.

Hugs,

Kim