Stringfest 2026

2026 Stringfest featured two performances by the BHS and BWHS chamber orchestras. Corbin is so happy to be playing in the top orchestra this year.  8th grade is exempt from attending so Soren got off easy. Aaron took Bear to soccer and I greeted parents to Stringfest. 

Mr Juzeler, the jr high orchestra teacher, pulled me aside to tell me Corbin sent him a very nice email a week ago thanking him for teaching him and for believing in him. When Corbin advanced from 8th-9th grade, he was so disappointed to be placed in Philharnonic orchestra. In 2026, this is the highest orchestra a freshman is allowed to be placed in, but 4 years ago, he was hoping for Camerata after making all region and playing 1st chair all year. His buddy was given the spot and Mr J pulled Corbin into his office to deliver the news gently. I remember Corbin feeling strongly that this placement would set him back and it would be an extra year before he could play in chamber. (This theory proved to be correct). Mr J assured him that he would still progress and be a leader. 

Apparently, Corbin emailed his teacher last week to thank him for that humbling experience, and tell him he didn’t quit and is enjoying finally playing cello in Chamber Orchestra with his buddies from 8th grade again. 

Mr J said it was so complimentary and it is rare for a teacher to receive a thank you like this, especially at the beginning of the year, not the end. 

Corbin hasn’t mentioned a word about this email to me. I’m thankful for a little behind the scenes glimpse into his world. 

100s of students played the first 6 Suzuki songs together for the 6th graders to welcome them to the orchestra program. Esme’s violin teacher is a jr high teacher. She challenged Esme to learn the next Suzuki song from her book to play with the big kids. She did it! We arrived early so I could help the SBO board welcome parents abd direct students, so I just sent Sloane into the stands with friends to watch (she can play all these pieces, too, but 6th grade is supposed to be the guest regardless of skill level) and tossed little Esme into a sea of 7th grade violinists. It was a god experience for her to play with other kids. She did great!