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Youth - what keeps them occupied in positive and productive activities? What makes them strive to be their best? These are questions you may want to ask the members of String Connection. (SC) This group was formed 1 ½ years ago to foster area youths' musical talents, to assist in preserving the area's history, and to have fun with diverse types of music. Besides musical talent, each member brings deep-rooted dedication to these goals.
Eric, age 12, from Millstadt, is SC's talented guitarist. He has a great sense of rhythm, and is eager and quick to learn. He enjoys playing with SC because of the opportunity to play a wide variety of music genres, and because history intrigues him. Eric has been playing guitar for 2 ½ years, and was inspired to do so by his cousin. Eric also plays trumpet in the school band and jazz band, and recently played Taps and the National Anthem at a memorial service in Millstadt.
Kaitlyn, age 14, is from Ruma / Prairie du Rocher. She's been playing violin for 6 years, and she also sings well. Kaitlyn's brother, father, and grandmother play music, and Kaitlyn's violin is very special because it used to belong to her great grandfather, who also sang and played music. Kaitlyn loves to play with SC because she enjoys performing at their many types of events. Kaitlyn always has a bright outlook and sunny disposition whenever she plays with SC.
Sarah, age 19, is from Modoc. She's been playing violin for 5 years, and she is a real asset to SC. Watch Sarah play her violin (made in 1840!), and it is clear that she really enjoys music. Sarah is a member of La Guiannee, and her family has a long history of contributing to this area ... her great grandfather was regularly active with the Ste. Genevieve 12th Night Ball. Sarah loves playing with SC because "every player is awesome". Sarah also plays with the Red Bud Strings Studio, and has performed at a wedding.
Jennine, age 16, is from Prairie du Rocher. Playing violin for 8 years and flute for 2 years, music is one of her great passions. Jennine's family has also been long involved with the area's history. Her great great grandfather and his son Percy were both La Guiannee leaders. Another son Bill (Jennine's great grandfather) played the violin for La Guiannee most of his life. Jennine has been influenced by many other relatives who play music, and her first violin used to belong to her grandmother. Jennine has played at numerous weddings and events, with SOS (a contemporary Christian band), is concertmaster of the Belleville Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and recently co-formed a string quintet that plays classical music at weddings. Jennine likes SC because it gives her opportunity to encourage others to become interested in music.