SUMMER STRING FESTIVAL
Hillsdale County School of the Arts, Inc. is pleased to announce the 2023 Summer String Festival running July 24-August 4, 2023 at Davis Middle School in Hillsdale.
Summer String Festival Information
Summer String Festival is an intensive strings education program for youth in grades 1-12. Students who already play a string instrument can participate based on their experience level. Students in elementary school also have the opportunity to begin learning an instrument.
Meet Our Guest Artist: Hannah Holman

Cellist Hannah Holman has performed with the New York City Ballet Orchestra and is the principal cellist of the Quad City Symphony. She has also played with the English String Orchestra under Yehudi Menuhin, is an active chamber musician, has performed as a soloist with orchestras throughout the states, and a dedicated private teacher who has been on the music faculty a locations including University of Iowa, Worcester College (UK), Michigan State University Community School, and the International Cello Institute.
Beginning and Young Strings
he Beginning and Young Strings Session is a two week session for grades 1-6. Young Strings are students who already play a string instrument, but have little or no orchestral experience. Beginning Strings are students who have very little or no experience with a stringed instrument.
Download the letter and application information below.
Application deadline is June 1.
Click below to download an application.
(Note: This is a digital form that you can fill out electronically and email back to us!)
Download the letter and application information below.
Application deadline is June 1.
Click below to download an application.
(Note: This is a digital form that you can fill out electronically and email back to us!)

2023_beg_young_letter_app.pdf |
Intermediate & Advanced Strings
This one week session for intermediate and advanced students offers students a unique opportunity to improve their skills and to work with highly trained instructors and guest artists. String players in 6th-12th grade are eligible to participate. Students must have at least one year of ensemble experience and have note reading skills. Orchestra and small ensemble rehearsals are part of the daily activities, coached by String Festival staff and the guest artist.
Download the letter and application information below.
Application deadline is June 1.
Click below to download an application.
(Note: This is a digital form that you can fill out electronically and email back to us!)
Download the letter and application information below.
Application deadline is June 1.
Click below to download an application.
(Note: This is a digital form that you can fill out electronically and email back to us!)

2023_intermed_adv_letter_app.pdf |
Previous String Festival Guest Artists
2022 - Rick Robinson (aka "Mr. CutTime"), former bassist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and founder of CutTime Productions (https://cuttime.com/)
2021- Returning Guest Artists Violinist Gene Hahn and cellist Jeremy Crosmer of ESME https://www.facebook.com/esmelivemusic/
2019- Csaba Erdélyi, violist formerly with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London
2018 – Karin Loberg Code, hardingfele (Norwegian folk fiddle)
2017 – Violinist Gene Hahn and cellist Jeremy Crosmer of ESME https://www.facebook.com/esmelivemusic/
2016 – Aaron Johnson, string bass
2015 – Rachel Klaus, violinist with Detroit Symphony Orchestra
2021- Returning Guest Artists Violinist Gene Hahn and cellist Jeremy Crosmer of ESME https://www.facebook.com/esmelivemusic/
2019- Csaba Erdélyi, violist formerly with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London
2018 – Karin Loberg Code, hardingfele (Norwegian folk fiddle)
2017 – Violinist Gene Hahn and cellist Jeremy Crosmer of ESME https://www.facebook.com/esmelivemusic/
2016 – Aaron Johnson, string bass
2015 – Rachel Klaus, violinist with Detroit Symphony Orchestra
The 2022 Summer String Festival was supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council Minigrant Program, administered by the Arts Alliance.