Auditions for music scholarship program to take place

Date: 6/8/2009

The Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS) will host auditions for the 2009-2010 school year for two scholarship programs. "String City," an intensive string education program for children ages nine through 15, begins its second year in the fall. String City's mission is to support the string education of children in the area and residents of Springfield in particular through the identification and training of children who already have some background and level of proficiency on the violin, viola, cello or double bass.

Based at CMSS, String City includes weekly private lessons and chamber orchestra, monthly Master Classes or other activities, and sectional rehearsals, as well as special music-related experiences including field trips. The program, which is under the direction of Martha Knieriem, is committed to promoting the highest level of string playing among children entering grades five through 10, as of September 2009. Preference is given to Springfield residents.

Admission is by audition and players who are accepted receive a 50 percent tuition subsidy. Auditions will take place June 9 and June 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. Interested students should call for an Audition Appointment.

Auditions for the Charles Majid Greenlee Scholarship Jazz Ensemble for High School students will take place on three dates in June: June 19 and June 27 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and on June 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The Jazz Ensemble, which is coached by Jim Messbauer, honors the memory of renowned jazz trombonist, composer and arranger Charles Majid Greenlee (1927-1993) who was very involved in the musical life of Springfield. Students who are accepted receive a total scholarship. Preference is given to students who are currently enrolled at CMSS.

Messbauer is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music with a degree in trombone performance. He has toured extensively and is the co-founder of several Latin and brass groups.

Knieriem received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina and her Master's Degree in Viola Performance from Ithaca College. She has been a member of the CMSS faculty since 1981, teaching violin and viola through traditional and Suzuki methods. She is a member of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

For information about scheduling a String City audition, please contact Martha Knieriem at 584-3182, or by e-mail at MKnieriem@communitymusicschool.com.

To arrange an audition for the Jazz Ensemble, please contact CMSS at 732-8428.

Parents wishing additional information may also contact the Director of Faculty and Students at CMSS, Mary Ellen Miller.