To enhance interest in classical music through encouragement of string music instruction for young students, the current Kirshbaum Strings Program was initiated by the East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association in 2004-05.

Named to recognize contributions of the Kirshbaum Family (internationally acclaimed cellist Ralph Kirshbaum, his father, Joseph, ETSO’s conductor over 30 years and originator of ETSO’s Youth Concerts continuing today, and Ralph’s mother, Gertrude, (a professional harpist), The Kirshbaum Strings brings early string instruction to the Tyler community. ETSOA set goals (1) to grow the number of individuals who play string instruments via opportunities for early instruction, (2) attract string instructors to the community through a sustained program, and (3) develop a base of ETSO musicians by providing additional opportunities for employment.

Interest expressed by The Brook Hill School, All Saints Episcopal School, and St. Gregory Elementary School in early 2005 led to the ETSOA partnerships which offer seed funding and initial support for string instruction during or immediately after school. In Fall of 2006, TISD's schools of Austin, Bonner, Douglas and Calldwell joined in.

Participating schools and/or parents provide addional funding. Within the monetary cap, schools may reappkly annually to start more classes, add new Kirshbaum faculty and/or include string instruments other than violin. Eventually, each school will fully mature its Kirshbaum Program to financial sustainability. At this point, the ETSOA will move resources to assist new partner schools.

Coordinating The Kirshbaum Strings Program is ETSOA Executive Director Nancy Wrenn, Committee Co-Chairs Lou Ann Berman and Betty Bower, and members Ruth Ann Wofford, Margaret Rowan, Joanne Idell, Gail Wallace and Jeanette Calhoun.

Ralph Kirshbaum grew up in the Tyler community, performing with the East Texas Symphony from age nine. At 18, Kirshbaum left Texas to study at Yale, graduated and moved to Europe where he currently is based in Manchester, UK, as head of strings at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). He has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras, and is artistic director of the RNCM Manchester International Triennial Cello Festival.