SIDE-BY-SIDE PERFORMANCE:

Symphonies of String Instruments

by James Leatherbarrow

The Euclid Quartet commissioned Symphonies of String Instruments from composer James Leatherbarrow to be the centerpiece of the Quartet's String Partners Program (a comprehensive package of programs for students up through high school age).

This innovative new piece is perfect for district-wide string days or similar string festival events, and is an opportunity for students at all levels to perform live with the Euclid Quartet.  The piece is designed to work with all levels of student string orchestras -- different movements for beginning, intermediate, and advanced groups -- as well as combinations of the different levels. 

The performance of Symphonies of String Instruments works best as the culmination of a day-long residency.  The students, who join the Quartet on stage, become the grand finale to a concert of great music for a general audience.

A typical residency could include:

• a rehearsal with the string orchestra(s), led by the Euclid Quartet, to prepare "Symphonies of String Instruments" for the evening's concert
  
• an in-school concert, informance, or workshop (selected from the Quartet's comprehensive range of hands-on activities, specific to each different age and level)
  
• an evening concert featuring the students and the Quartet together for a Grand Finale performance of "Symphonies of String Instruments"

Specific activities vary by the age and level of the students, and include:

• Informance (for elementary schools)
  
• In-School Performance (for middle schools, and high schools)
   
• String Techniques workshop (including "Garbage Pail Strings")
   
• Masterclass
   
• Chamber Music Coaching

For details about specific programs for each different level, please visit the pages about Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, and High Schools.