String Impact Summer Experience
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Welcome to the String Impact Summer Experience Camp of 2025! 🎻🌟
Get ready for an unforgettable musical journey designed just for you! 🎶
What's in Store:
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Monday June 23rd - Saturday June 28th at Columbus State Community College 290 Cleveland Ave Columbus Ohio 43215
Join us for a fantastic camp experience tailored for string musicians and educators, whether you play the Violin, Viola, Cello, or Upright Bass. Our camp is all about Harmony Building, Improv Lab and Fundamentals, Quality Placement, and a special "Ear" Training session – we call it "Listening In." 🎵 And guess what? It all leads up to our grand Finale Concert, where you get to showcase your newfound skills!
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There will be a Finale concert taking place on Saturday June 28th at Nestor Hall Auditorium on Columbus State campus. 488 Mt. Vernon Ave Columbus, OH 43215. During the Finale concert the students will showcase all that they have learned during the week!
Our goal is to change perspectives, outlooks, and standards, all while having a blast.
Who Can Join:
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Whether you've been playing for years or just picked up your instrument yesterday, everyone is welcome! With a specialized curriculum, we ensure that everyone can walk away knowing more and feeling better than they did before!
Why Join:
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We believe in breaking free from the "classical box" and exploring the full potential of your musical journey. This camp is all about building a versatile skill set on your instrument. We want to inspire you to think outside the norm, tapping into your creativity and musical expression.
What's on the Agenda:
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- Harmony Building: Because making music together is the best kind of harmony.
- Improv Lab and Fundamentals: Unleash your creativity and play with the basics!
- Equipment Lab and Fundamentals: Explore the equipment that is used by professional musicians.
- Quality Placement: Learn the secrets to sounding your best.
- "Ear" Training (Listening In): Sharpen your listening skills and tune into the music around you.
- Finale Concert: Your chance to shine and share your musical journey with friends and family.
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- The Beginner Ensemble rehearses from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- The Intermediate & Advanced Ensemble rehearses from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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The instructors are here to guide you through fun, laughter, and musical discoveries. We bring our passion for music to create an atmosphere where everyone can grow, learn, and have a great time.
For the Beginner Student:
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- Be able to hold instrument and play with the bow
- Be able to play any one octave scale
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For the Intermediate Student:
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- Be able to play a one octave major/minor scale
- Be able to read sheet music/notation
- Be able to play dotted rhythms
- Be able to play in the following major keys - C, G, D, F, and Bb
- Be able to play in the following minor keys - A, E, B, D, and G
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For the Advance Student:
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- Be able to play a two octave major/minor scale
- Be able to read sheet music/notation
- Be able to play anticipations and dotted rhythms
- Be able to play in the following major keys - C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, and Ab
- Be able to play in the following minor keys - A, E, B, F#, C#, D, G, C, and F
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Join Us:
Are you ready to break free from the ordinary? Come join us at the String Impact Summer Experience Workshop of 2025, where music knows no limits, and every note is an opportunity for something extraordinary. Let's make music magic together!
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See you soon! 🎻✨
S.I.S.E. 2023 Photos
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S.I.S.E. 2024 Photos
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S.I.S.E. 2024 Videos
All Videos
All Videos
Trip - Intermediate Violins
Rockin Robin - Beginner Ensemble
Meet the Team
String Impact Summer Experience
Lead Director
Tia Ward
Tia Ward, a multi-instrumentalist and performer, has been passionately playing the violin since the fourth grade. Her musical prowess extends beyond personal enjoyment, as she currently performs for weddings, parties, and various social events. Tia is a student at Berklee College of Music pursuing a B.A in Music Education. She has shared the stage with notable musicians like Black Violin, Bobby Floyd, and Ukrainian violinist Assia Ahhatt. Tia is also an assistant conductor in Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra. She is a two-time winner of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, Eta Nu Nu Chapters Talent Hunt Competition and has received the prestigious 20 under 20 award from the Mayor of Columbus. As the Co-Founder of String Impact alongside her business partner and friend Asa Simpson-Cole, Tia is dedicated to using music as a force for change, hope, love, and peace. Later down the road she plans to build a music academy and continue to teach the music she wishes she had learned growing up.
Lead Director
Asa Simpson-Cole
Asa Simpson-Cole is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, graphic artist, and songwriter with notable collaborations including Black Violin, Naseem Alatrash, and Donald Glover. Currently pursuing a B.A in Music Education at Berklee College of Music, Asa focuses on Screen Scoring, Music Performance, and Music Business. His passion for education extends to his role as an Assistant Director in Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra and his work with the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra. , Asa creates original pieces and values authentic connections with his audience. Co-founding "String Impact" during the 2020 pandemic, he and his friend Tia Ward expanded the initiative in 2022 to include an immersive summer program teaching music by ear. Asa's proudest accomplishment is fostering inclusivity in the music world, evident in his plans for a traveling youth and adult orchestra that embraces diversity and eliminates feelings of isolation for musicians of all backgrounds.
Assistant Director
Blake Collins
Blake Collins is a violinist from Columbus Ohio. He is currently finishing his undergraduate degree at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music preparing for Graduate school. Blake is a long-time member and alumni of Urban Strings Columbus. In his career he has opened for the Grammy Award winning Harlem Quartet and studied under members of the Dover String Quartet. Blake's current teacher is Dr. Steven Sang Koh at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music as well as Internationally renowned cellist Khari Joyner. Blake is also the current concertmaster of the Baldwin Wallace Symphony Orchestra. Blake's current focus is on teaching students, chamber music, conducting, solo/orchestra playing, and of course finishing up his studies.
Assistant Director
Mitchell Franklin
Mitchell Franklin, is an accomplished cellist with over 30 years of experience, and serves as the Assistant Director and Director of Operations for the Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra. He is a graduate of Hilliard High School and Miami University (Ohio), Mr. Franklin is not only dedicated to his musical pursuits but is also an integral part of the Bethany Presbyterian Church choir, where he holds the position of Deacon. Additionally, Mitchell contributes to the development of young musicians as a coach and educator, providing private lessons to students within the Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra.
Sponsors, Supporters, & Partners
