Welcome to Strings Attached, Wilmington’s
Public School Strings Orchestra. We have been in existence
since 1987 and currently have over 400 members in grades 4-12.
Students can join Strings Attached in 4th grade, and as they
progress into middle school, they perform in Lake George, NY,
and every two years our high school students are eligible to
travel to Europe. As part of their preparation for Europe, the
students study the art and history of the country they plan to
visit. They also play for our state officials in the rotunda
of the State House. They receive the honor of “Ambassadors
of Wilmington” and a personalized citation, recognizing
their ambassadorship by Senator Kennedy and Senator Kerry, Governor
Patrick, Mayor Menino, and Representative Miceli. These
citations are given to European dignitaries during their visit. The
students know how meaningful it is to say, “I am an American”.
As ambassadors for our town, the Strings Attached group has traveled to England, France, Quebec, and Ireland. In April of 2007, the high school Strings Attached students are planning to travel to Italy.
Strings Attached students learn to give back to the town that has given so much to them. They have raised thousands of dollars to donate the lawn signs for our High School and Middle School. We contribute to the Wilmington Food Pantry, Wilmington Fire Department’s Toys for Tots, and the Shriner’s Burn Center. Each holiday season, our high school students travel to Boston shelters to play for the homeless and donate clothing. We have fundraised with Mary Ann Esposito of Ciao Italia, and Grace Corrigan, mother of astronaut, Christa McAuliffe.
All of this is made possible through the alliance of the Wilmington School system, the Strings Attached Parent Support group and of course the extraordinary Mr. Dilmore.
Under the direction of Ward Dilmore, students not only learn to play an instrument but also learn the values of hard work and practice. The students also gain comraderie unique to the orchestra through the many concerts they play during their tenure with the group.
The Best Things In Life Have Strings Attached |
