When an orchestra comes together on any given piece of music, the sound produced is strong and unified. Guest conductor Dr. Angela Yeung tells Sweetwater District middle school students that they are like a sandwich. The violins and violas are like the meat while the cellos and the bass are like the bread, holding the entire thing together.

The 16th Annual String Fest featured Sweetwater District students showcasing their talents with the help of Yeung who conducted both the combined middle school and high school orchestras. The event held at EastLake Middle School featured student musicians from across the district and combined orchestras of over 120 middle school students and 240 high school students. The event was coordinated by Eric Hagen of EastLake Middle School.

The students worked on several pieces at their respective schools and spent the entire afternoon on the day of String Fest working with musical coaches from the San Diego Symphony, the Greater San Diego Community Orchestra, Youth Symphony Outreach and music teachers from across the Sweetwater District.

“I like this event because it brings us all together and shows us what performing arts can do,” said EastLake Middle 8th Grader, Diego Guerra.

Yeung, an Associate Professor of Music at the University of San Diego and Director of the USD Chamber Music Festival, says that she enjoys working with the youth because of their love for the music and their desire to improve their skills.

“These students love playing and it doesn’t really matter how good they are,” said Yeung. “If they really love the music, they will improve and keep their interest in it.”

Superintendent Dr. Edward Brand says that the arts are vital to the success of students in the Sweetwater District.

“It’s amazing to see the high level of talent that our students have,” said Brand. “The hard work done by the students and the teachers in our Visual and Performing Arts Department is an example of the great things that happen in the Sweetwater District.”