WHO WE ARE
The Extreme Strings Orchestra was founded in 2006 with the goal of teaching young string players Fiddling, Jazz, and Rock styles, Electronic Instruments and Technology and much more in a structured, supportive, and safe environment using the latest instructional materials, teaching techniques, guest presenters, and instrument and sound technology.
The Orchestra is open to all string students from 4th Grade through High School who play Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Guitar.
All Suburban School, Private and Parochial School, Home-Schooled, and Pittsburgh Public School students are welcome to join.
We meet almost every Saturday morning from 9-11 AM starting in late September and running until mid-May. This year our first session is Saturday September 27, 2008 and will include at least 24 educational sessions, workshops, and performances.
Our sessions are held at the fantastic Pittsburgh HIgh School For The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA for short - see picture below) at the corner of 9th St. and Fort Duquesne Blvd in Downtown Pittsburgh (the building with the big video screen on the side along the river next to the Convention Center).
We are part of the long-running Centers For The Musically Talented program directed by Carl Jackson and Mindi Stabler-Ross and supervised by Dr. James Alston.
Tuition for the 2008-2009 season will be $450. The fee is discount by $75 if full payment is made by October 31, 2008. There is also a $100 discount for additional family members of the same household who join.
Currently, there are scholarships available to up to Pittsburgh Public Schools students only who qualify based on musical ability, attitude, and behavior.
Last season the XSO, as we like to call it, performed at the Three Rivers Arts Festival, played in the lobby of Heinz Hall as part of the BOWFIRE concert - plus two of our students performed on stage with BOWFIRE, appeared twice on The Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show, and played two shows at the All City Arts Festival at The Childrens Museum.
CAPA High School
