About ASFS

A String Fort Smith, founded in the summer of 2020 by violinist Lori Fay, is aimed at fostering excellence and unprecedented performing opportunities for junior- and high-school aged students interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts.  Assisted by a number of devoted faculty colleagues – Mr. Anthony Verge, Assistant Director, violin and viola; Mr. Nathan Boyd, double bass; Mr. Mike Burkepile, violin; Ms. Barbara Godette, violoncello; Mr. Curtis Hansen, viola; Ms. Jayne Jostad, violoncello; Brian G. Kim, J.D., violin; Mr. Sean Lewis, double bass; Mr. Josue Saucedo, double bass; Mr. Cory Winters, viola; and Ms. Saralyn Workman, violin – A String Fort Smith participants are selected based on an audition.  

The ensemble consists of the most advanced and dedicated students – approximately eight to twelve (8 to 12) participants per semester – who make a commitment to rehearse for one hour once per week, on Monday evenings at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith.  Participants must be engaged in private music study or plan to undertake private lessons, and are expected to diligently practice for public concerts which take place twice per year in addition to performances in a variety of local settings.  The repertoire selected for A String Fort Smith rehearsals and performances comprises primarily unabridged works that students might not otherwise be exposed to in a traditional school setting.  

Coaching sessions by respected artists are an integral feature of the A String Fort Smith program; previous coaches include John Jeter, Music Director and Conductor, Fort Smith Symphony; Dr. Er-Gene Kahng, Professor of Violin, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; and Jay Shepherd, guitarist, singer, and composer.  
Under Ms. Fay’s direction, A String Fort Smith typically presents two public performances with guest artists each season – during the early winter and spring, both free and open to the public – as well as performances at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and preceding select Fort Smith Symphony concerts at ArcBest Performing Arts Center.  Previous and current guest artists include Jay Shepherd, guitar, and Ginny Hudson, flute.