Kirshbaum Strings Program

The program honors international cellist Ralph Kirshbaum and the musical legacy of his family. Kirshbaum's father, Joseph, led the East Texas Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years, and initiated the yearly ETSO Youth Concerts. His mother, Gertrude, was a professional harpist. Kirshbaum's own musical career began at an early age when he chose the cello. He responded to lessons so quickly that he became an orchestra member at age 9. He studied later with Dallas Symphony cellists, majored in music at Yale, and attained world-class status early, performing across Europe and the U.S.

Through the Kirshbaum Strings program, ETSO offers encouragement to start string studies with early elementary students by providing seed funding to assist with instruction, assists with securing qualified faculty, and tracks student progress.

The program, initiated in 2004-05, is designed to enhance interest in classical music and to develop musical talent. Within the monetary cap, schools may reapply annually to start more classes, add new Kirshbaum faculty and/or to include string instruments other than violin.

Participating schools and string instructors include the following
Tyler Independent School District elementary schools of:

  • Austin - Catherine Roebke
  • Bonner - Lisa Lininger
  • Caldwell Arts Academy - Catherine Roebke
  • Douglas - Catherine Roebke
  • Peete - Barbara Woodring

Tyler Private Schools

  • All Saints Episcopal - Diana Norwood
  • The Brook Hill School - Jamie Reason
  • St. Gregory School - Melissa Baxley.
Coordinating the Kirshbaum Strings program is Chariman, Deborah Harris and committee members Lou Ann Berman, Betty Bower, Harriet Gilbert, Suzanne Handley, Verna Holliman, Joi Smith - WSL President, Dr. Jeanette Calhoun, Nancy Wrenn - ETSOA Executive Director, Kathy Housby, and Rise' Jones.
Calendar of Events
Newsletter Deadline...
 
JSL Class of 2012 Kick-Off Party ...
 
Executive / Full Board Meeting...
 
New Member Orientation...