For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 Montgomery County Recreation Announces East County Strings: Music Lessons for RecXtra Students Montgomery County Recreation’s (MCR) RecXtra program in collaboration with Strathmore Music Center, the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra (MCYO), Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the American String Teachers’ Association (ASTA) have teamed up to bring professional, world class string instruction to County students. East County Strings, a free six-week program comprised of 120 sixth, seventh and eighth graders, is training and preparing students to perform in a regional orchestra. Students are working with ASTA string professionals versed in string pedagogy who are teaching and coaching students on concert repertoire. The program will culminate with a gala performance on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Paint Branch High School’s newly-renovated auditorium located at 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. Students will perform side-by-side with ASTA professionals as each performance piece is conducted by one of the participating school’s music teachers. The performance is free and open to the public. “We know there is significant attrition in the number of students participating in school music programs as they transition from middle to high school,” said Recreation Director Gabriel Albornoz. “Through this program we hope to foster a sense of mastery and success which leads to increased self-esteem and a capacity to make constructive, positive life choices while cultivating the desire to continue participating in music programs.” East County Strings is offered at Argyle, Banneker, Key, Lee, Loiederman and White Oak Middle Schools. Montgomery County Recreation’s RecXtra program is part of the Youth Development Team which provides a variety of recreation activities and services that allow children and teens to make the most of their time outside of school. Youth Development programs aim to help young people become healthier, gain leadership experience, develop career skills, and connect with caring adult role models. For more information on the program call 240-777-8080. Release ID: 16-134 Media Contact: Carmen Berrios Martinez 240-777-6875

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