Winter, 2012

We are looking forward to another summer of student chamber music in Southwest Harbor. Last summer’s program, was a huge success! Young musicians, including four talented Maine students who were selected as the first Arthur Russell Strings(ARS) Honors Quartet, refined their musicianship and worked alongside each other as a music family for a busy week. In addition to the July program, our mentors and staff performed at a sold out chamber concert at the Mira Monte Inn in Bar Harbor and the ARS Honors Quartet entertained for the Bar Harbor B&B Association annual Empire Dinner in June. Our two public concerts at the Claremont Hotel were exciting events, musically some of the best work yet, and attended by appreciative audiences. We invite you to participate in the coming season by attending our performances, contributing some time helping out during and before the program week, and sustaining Arthur Russell Strings with a financial contribution. Financial contributions to our program are critical to making so much happen. Your gifts keep opportunities open to:

• Listen to a chamber music ensemble
• Bring fine strings and piano instruction to Mount Desert Island each summer
• Nurture a love of live, classical music in young musicians, ages 12 through 20
• Provide a supportive and fun week of high level individual and group teaching by professionals
• Bring college age conservatory students “from away” to share their enthusiasm and creativity with Maine youth
• Embrace the opportunity to forge joyful musical relationships in small ensembles
• Underwrite the new Arthur Russell Strings Honors Quartet – a performance and coaching opportunity for four carefully selected Maine high school musicians who will serve as ARS ambassadors!

When you support Arthur Russell Strings, you literally give life to music. We are grateful and humbled by your support and look forward to providing another inspiring season with your assistance.
Many thanks.