Fiddlers ReStrung Recognized by Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for their Summer Reading Program for Michigan Libraries
	Pictured above are (left to right): Washtenaw County Board Commissioner Kirsten Judge, Anjali Saripalli, Christina Radak, Artistic Director Josh Herter, Trevor Morrison, Sean Chene and Adriane Rasmussen.

November 21, 2009

Saline, Michigan: On October 21, 2009, the Fiddlers ReStrung were recognized by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for their Summer Reading Program for Michigan Libraries.  The program, which ran for the first time in 2009, featured an engaging interactive and educational performance format, where ReStrung performers shared stories about their own musical background and the musical selections they perform with the audience.  In each concert during this series, the audience was not only invited to ask questions about the songs, the instruments and the group, but some lucky children in the audience were invited up to join ReStrung during the show-ending number, the Orange Blossom Special, each with a percussion instrument.

In bestowing this citation on Fiddlers ReStrung, County Commissioner Kristin Judge said, “Over the summer, Commissioner Sizemore and I were talking about all the negative news that we had coming to the Board, and we thought it might be fun to find some positive things happening in our community.”  She added, “

And at that same I was speaking to some of the folks involved in this community group, the Saline Area School’s Fiddlers ReStrung, and they were telling me about how they were doing their part, to help in this economy to bring positive activities to the community.”

Fiddlers ReStrung Artistic Director Josh Herter and five members of the group accepted the citation and then played a fiddle favorite “Big Brown Trout” for the Commissioners and citizens who attended the meeting.  Enthusiastic cheers followed the performance, reminiscent of library audiences and staff at the concerts held over the summer across Michigan.

The Fiddlers ReStrung Summer Library Program

The goal in providing these concerts for public libraries is to give back to the communities in the state of Michigan and provide enriching musical performances to support summer reading programs.  For Michigan libraries, Fiddlers ReStrung lowered its performance fee considerably, recognizing the challenging budgetary constraints faced by many of these institutions.  While ReStrung’s funds are primarily made from concert performances earned throughout the year, the decision to reduce fees for organizations in greater need shows the stellar character of the group. Through this program, the students in Fiddlers ReStrung learned about civic engagement in a way that could never be taught in the classroom.  They also learned how the gift of music can make a tremendous contribution to communities across Michigan during these trying economic times.

The Participating Libraries included: Howell Carnegie District Library; Saline District Library; Homer Public Library; Stair Public Library (Morenci); Fred C. Fischer Library (Belleville); White Lake Township Library; St. Clair County Library (Port Huron); Albion Public Library; Baldwin Public Library (Birmingham) & Cromaine Library (Hartland).  Among the accolades received by ReStrung over the summer where these from Library staff:

”Our library hosted the Saline High School Fiddlers ReStrung group this week and everybody just loved them! They play toe-tapping, hand-clapping, get-up-and-dance music.  They are such an energetic, charismatic and talented group of kids and such an inspiration. They are great entertainment for all ages...we booked them for our summer reading program and invited community members to attend also.”

- Colleen Leddy, Director of the Stair Public Library (Morenci, Michigan)

“[ReStrung] drew our biggest crowd of the season and numerous people have commented upon how much they enjoyed the performance.  [ReStrung]  did a wonderful job with the wide age-range and abilities of our audience.  I think your enthusiasm and talent probably inspired a number of young musicians-to-be, and their parents had a good time, too.”

- Paula Schaffner, Head of Youth Services of the Saline District Library

“Our Patrons were impressed not only with the musical expertise, but with the enthusiasm and character of the young people.”

- Denise Harris, Librarian at the White Lake Township Library

The Summer Reading Program concert series was one element in Fiddlers ReStrung’s year-long dedication to Community Service and the needs of Michigan communities during these trying times. In addition to the Summer Reading Program, Fiddlers ReStrung performed at numerous retirement homes, senior centers, and fundraisers for Autism and Cancer Research.  The highlight of the year is ReStrung’s third annual Holiday Hometown Concert in Support of Toys for Tots, at the Saline High School on Sunday December 6, 2009.  This event, co-sponsored by the Saline Fire Department and the U.S. Marines Reserves, kicks off this community’s toy drive for this wonderful cause. 

Based on the success of this program, Fiddlers ReStrung anticipates continuing the series during the summer of 2010.  Additionally, the group’s summer tour, which performing in northern Michigan and western Ontario, will allow them to visit libraries that are further away from Saline.

Fiddlers ReStrung consists of students at Saline High School, all of whom share in producing a unique ensemble truly their own. Working alongside leadership, students craft their own arrangements and help make organizational decisions. This collaborative ownership grants ReStrung an authentic creative edge that is clearly visible from the striking energy they portray on stage.  Students are chosen based not only on musical talent, but personal maturity as well.  They balance a demanding performance schedule while maintaining high standards in other school activities, sports, and academics.  The organization is officially sponsored and supported by Saline Area Schools.  For additional information regarding this event, please contact Rebecca Groeb-Driskill, Cultural Arts Specialist, Saline Area Schools at (734) 429-8000 ext. 2338 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You can also visit www.fiddlersrestrung.com.

Link to Read the text of the Citation.

It may also be downloaded at  Washtenaw County's site.

Audience members brought up on stage to play with the Fiddlers ReStrung during the Orange Blossom Special at the end of the performance for the Stair Public Library in Morenci, Michigan on July 15, 2009

Fiddlers ReStrung play in a jam-packed Youth Reading Room on July 22, 2009.