The Jasper String Quartet is Caramoor's 11th Ernst Stiefel String Quartet-in-Residence. Somers High School participated in this year's Student Strings program. Below are some essays written by the students who experienced working with the quartet and their reaction to the concert.  Review #1 - The concert amazed me! I was surprised by my reaction to the music. I…

This is last day of rehearsals for the group before their performances this weekend. Tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday's concerts. Three words to describe your experience at Caramoor:Emily Deans: Caramoor = Crazy Cacophony of ContentmentNarek Hakhnazaryan: Amazing, Amazing, AmazingTessa Lark: Refreshing, (a) Blast, InspiringLaura Lutzke: Inspiring, fun, passionateDavid…

It is Rising Stars week here at Caramoor. The week eight young musicians with the talent, personality, and musicality are invited to join distinguished artists for a week of intense rehearsals and coaching sessions, culminating in two exciting public performances. The Rising Stars program is led by Artistic Director Pamela Frank, and assisted by Distinguished Artists: Timothy Eddy and Arnold…

Favorite classical composer:At the moment, Schumann, Haydn and BeethovenMusical idol:My present and past teachers, Clive Greensmith (cellist of the Tokyo String Quartet) and Norman Fischer. How much do you practice per day?I try to practice at least an hour or more by myself. As a quartet we practice for 4-5 hours a day 6 days a week. Any advice for young musicians?Stick with it! Everyone has ups…

Favorite classical composer: Aside from Beethove, I'd go with Bartók or LigetiMusical idol now: James Dunham, former violist of the Cleveland Quartet, Kazu Isomura, my current teacher and violist of the Tokyo quartet, and Roger Tapping, former violist of the Takacs Quartet.How much do you practice per day?1-2 hours individually, and 4-5 hours with the quartet (six days a week)What motivates you to…

Favorite popular music group: John GrobanMusical Idol: Tokyo String QuartetHow much do you practice per day? Varies, but the average is 3-5 hoursWhat motivates you to practice?love music(passion), the goal and expectation on myself that I haveAny advice for young musicians? Have a big dream and not give up! Focus what YOU want to. (not comparing to others)

Favorite classical composer: It's hard for me to name only one... Beethoven, Bartok, Ligeti, Haydn. Honestly, every composer has great pieces and every composer has some not so great pieces. Thankfully, most string quartets fall under the former category. Musical idol:Cleveland, Takacs, and Tokyo Quartets (listed alphabetically, not preferentially). James Dunham, Marilyn McDonald, Nathan Milstein…

The Jasper String Quartet is named for Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, a place unmatched for its inherent and dramatic beauty—a quality integral to the Jaspers' belief in the power of string quartet performance. The quartet—J Freivogel and Sae Niwa, violins; Sam Quintal, viola; and Rachel Henderson, cello—has been called “sonically delightful” and praised for…

There is a new quartet-in-residence this year – the Jasper String Quartet. If you are participating in the Student Strings program you will see them at your school soon. Keep checking back with us on this page for more info on the Quartet, including interviews with each member. You never know what you might learn!

Welcome to Caramoor's Student Strings PageThis page is dedicated to you - a practicing musician to share your thoughts and ideas with fellow students. So, tell us what you think about the Ariel String Quartet, the program or anything else that is on your mind about being a practicing musician.