Danbury Students Perform in All-State String Ensemble

DANBURY, CT — Two fifth-grade students from King Street Intermediate School performed in the Connecticut Music Educators (CMEA) All-State Elementary String Ensemble on April 11.

James McElmurry and Monika Principal, who were two of 120 students statewide selected for
the recent performance, joined the strings program while in the third grade at Mill Ridge Primary
School.

"They were both recommended and chosen for the CMEA Elementary Honors Orchestra because
of their advanced ability and dedication to playing the violin," said Joey Walko-Robinson,
orchestra director for King Street, Rogers Park and South Street schools. "They had to prepare
seven pieces prior to the event."

On April 11, the students joined 120 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade musicians from all over
Connecticut to rehearse for five hours before performing.

"It was important to be a strong musician on their own, but as the day went on, they learned that
it was also important to be a useful contributor to the group – 120 musicians working together to
create a polished and beautiful concert for their families," Walko-Robinson said.
The two Danbury students also practiced and performed three pieces for the Danbury All-City
Orchestra in February.