Strings Attached Teaches Lessons Beyond Music

Members of the Wilmington Strings Attached program enjoyed a recent trip to Lake George, New York. But thanks to their musical talents, the voyage won’t end there.

Following their May trip, where they earned a gold medal, the sixth and seventh grade musicians from are now eligible for a trip to perform in Italy in two years.

A total of 164 Wilmington volunteers and performers made the trip, 93 of which were students in the program.

According to Janet Engrem, Chairman of the Strings Attached Parent Support Group, the Italy trip will be the first item on the agenda when parents hold their first meeting of the year this fall.

Engrem said students learned much more than how to perform the notes in front of them during their trip to Lake George.

“For children and parents, you really make bonds with the people you’re traveling with,” said Engrem. “The children learn responsibility, and they certainly learn pride. When you see these young students performing, it’s unbelievable to see the pride they have in this program.”

Ward Dilmore is the Strings conductor. He started the town’s program 25 years ago with 12 students, and it has now grown to more than 400 students in various grade levels.

According to Engrem, it is Dilmore who makes the program tick.

“He is a mentor beyond belief to these children,” said Engrem. “He’s a gift to Wilmington.”

Young musicians have made a variety of overseas trips thanks to the Strings Attached program.

Engrem recalled a recent performance in Italy, when Wilmington students performed in a packed cathedral. As the musicians walked out of the building and past a café that was outside of the venue, the locals stood and applauded their efforts.

“I don’t think their wasn’t a parent there without a tear in their eye,” said Engrem. “The lessons learned in Strings are far beyond the lessons of music and instruments. It’s life lessons, community, giving back and being a family. It’s all the good that we would want for our children.”