South Georgia String Project Performs May 4

VALDOSTA — The South Georgia String Project, a joint venture of the Valdosta State University Department of Music and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, will present its end-of-season concert at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 4, in Whitehead Auditorium. A reception will follow in the Fine Arts Building lobby.

Admission is free of charge and open to the public.

Led by Lauren Burns Hodges, director and master teacher, the South Georgia String Project provides “an after-school music program where students can easily access low-cost stringed instrument instruction” and “a valuable, mentored teaching experience for music students at Valdosta State University.”

The South Georgia String Project offers technique classes, private lessons, and four levels of group classes during the fall and spring semesters. The most advanced level is the Valdosta Symphony Youth Orchestra, a full orchestra that includes musicians from the community as well as university music students. Performances are held several times a year both on campus and out in the community.

The American String Teacher Association named the South Georgia String Project the 2011 National String Project of the Year.

Monday’s performance is an opportunity for the students to showcase their hard work and dedication and the skills they have mastered since they joined the South Georgia String Project.

Whitehead Auditorium is located on the first floor of the VSU Fine Arts Building, at the intersection of Oak Street and Brookwood Drive.

Contact Lauren Burns Hodges at sgsp@valdost.edu or visit http://valdostasymphony.org/sgsp/ to learn more about the South Georgia String Project.

Visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/valdostastate/sets/72157649897665633/ to view additional photos.

Summer Strings Available Through Continuing Education

The South Georgia String Project and the Regional Center for Continuing Education will offer group classes and private lessons for anyone ages 8 to adult interested in studying stringed instruments this summer. Group classes will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays May 18 through Aug. 5. The cost is $69 and must be paid by May 13. Private lessons will be offered in packages of six to 12 30-minute sessions. Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/academics/extended-learning/continuing-education/programs/kid/summer-strings-program.php or call (229) 245-6484 to learn more or to register.    

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities. 

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals: 

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 4: Foster an environment of creativity and scholarship.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.