On November 18-19, 2005, the String Department at the University of Miami will host a festival for high school string students that will focus on chamber music as well as jazz improvisation on the gorgeous University of Miami Coral Gables campus. Following the University of Miami’s School of Music motto “Blending Innovation with Tradition”, participating students will receive chamber group coachings with the University’s string faculty, as well as jazz improvisation sessions with artist faculty Glenn Basham. Bass players will also participate in the chamber music sessions in a bass ensemble unique to the festival instructed by artist faculty Kevin Mauldin.

The University of Miami String Faculty is well known for excellence in performance and teaching. The Bergonzi String Quartet (comprised of faculty members Glenn Basham, Scott Flavin, Pamela McConnell, and Ross Harbaugh) has made numerous recordings and performed in Carnegie Hall in November of 2003. They have also been recognized by ASTA for their contributions to string education in the state. Pamela McConnell chairs the University’s String Department, Strings for Kids, as well as ASTA’s State Competition. She also teaches viola at the University. Glenn Basham, professor of violin, has been recognized by ASTA for his leadership in the field of string jazz education. He is a member of the International Association of Jazz Educators and is the chair of Extreme Strings, held at the Frost School of Music. In addition, he is concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic. Ross Harbaugh, cello professor,is president of the Florida Cello Club and was a lecturer on "Tai Chi and Cello Playing" at the National Cello Congress. Scott Flavin, violin professor, is concertmaster of the Florida Classical Orchestra as well as a recording artist in great demand. Kevin Mauldin is the principal bassist of the Naples Symphony and the bass professor at the University of Miami. Huifang Chen, violin professor, joins the faculty this year. She is a former Florida Philharmonic member, and is a well-known teacher in the South Florida community.

The faculty looks forward to working with young string students from all over the state, and to providing all participants with a unique and exciting educational experience.