A Message from Andrew Kurtz, Hershey Symphony Festival Strings Conductor
***Note: In order to give student musicians an opportunity to try out the ensemble, we’re holding an “open” rehearsal on Tuesday, September 30, from 6 PM to 8 PM, at the Palmyra Area Middle School. Experienced string players (violin, viola, cello, or bass) in grades 6 through 10 are invited to rehearse with us for the evening and see what we’re all about.***
We are very excited for another year of Festival Strings, which offers an educational and enriching orchestral experience for students in grades 6 through 10 as a student counterpart to the Hershey Symphony Orchestra. This program includes rehearsals and performance opportunities, including a spring 2026 performance with the Hershey Symphony!
We will be rehearsing most Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Palmyra Middle School beginning September 16 and will hold our fall concert there on November 19 at 7:00 p.m. Festival Strings will also perform with the Hershey Symphony on May 2, 2026, at the Hershey Theatre. There may be other performances as well, to be determined. Depending on the music requirements, there may be a need for additional rehearsals, with details being provided with as much advanced notice as possible. Students will be expected to consistently attend rehearsal, although with prior communication we are more than willing to work with students’ schedules to participate.
If your student is interested:
There is no audition required, but students require a signature and recommendation from their school director or their private instrumental teacher. A signature from a director from the prior year is acceptable. Please use the link below, which can be shared with your student’s teacher to complete the signature page. There is also a Google form to fill out information, linked below. Students will not be accepted without a completed recommendation form.
To participate in the orchestra, students should feel comfortable with the following:
Grade 3/4 Music, which includes concepts such as:
• Shifting to 3rd and 4th position
• Rhythmic figures with sixteenth notes, triplets, dotted rhythms, and time signature changes
• A variety of key signatures from 3 sharps to 3 flats.
There will be a variety of music that exposes students to a mix of styles and techniques that they can bring back to their own ensembles. We are on a very tight schedule and the music is challenging, so students are expected and need to practice diligently at home. Consistent and timely rehearsal attendance is also very important.
Sign-up and payment information:
PLEASE NOTE: There is a $135.00 fee to participate for the school year, which allows us to purchase music, pay for facilities, and cover the expenses related to the ensemble.
The payment link is located BELOW. You will need to fill out the Google Form in order to register your child, but you will also need to CLICK THE LINK WITHIN THE FORM OR BELOW to submit payment. If tuition presents a financial hardship, please email the symphony at contactus@hersheysymphony.org.
Student Information Form (fill out)
Director Form (send to your school director)
Payment Form (to pay fee)
First rehearsal information:
Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, September 16 , 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Palmyra Middle School (Exact directions will be sent out before that date). Students may still sign up for the group until the end of the month of September, even if they miss the first rehearsals. Details are still subject to change.
Please reach out to me with any questions, I am so excited to begin working with everyone and making incredible music!
Andrew Kurtz
Hershey Symphony Festival Strings Director
Note: The Hershey Symphony is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination. Please refer to our nondiscrimination statement here.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Kurtz using the form below.
Link to November 2024 concert:
You can watch and hear a Festival Strings concert here.