Issaquah musicians wanted for world record attempt

Violin, viola, cello or string bass players of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part in “String Jam ‘10,” at the Juanita High School Field House, in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest string ensemble under one roof.

Violin, viola, cello or string bass players of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part in “String Jam ‘10,” at the Juanita High School Field House, in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest string ensemble under one roof.

The April 10 event is sponsored by the Redmond Region Orchestra Boosters. But you don’t have to be from Redmond to participate.

You do, however, need to pre-register by Wednesday, March 31 and purchase a ticket. Admission for performers is $15; admission for spectators is $10 or $5 for a student or senior. Each performer will get a T-shirt and a chance to set a world record. At least 250 performers are needed, but the more, the merrier.

Funds raised by String Jam ‘10 will benefit orchestra programs in the Lake Washington School District. But the event is “more importantly … a celebration of string playing,” said orchestra teacher Paula C. Ferguson.

At String Jam ‘10, even novice musicians can shine.

“We plan on having parts that will be accessible for the less experienced players, as well as parts that will be more interesting for the experienced musician,” Ferguson said. “We’ll play a very simple song first — to make sure we can stay together — like ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.’ Then I thought we would do the ever-popular Canon in D by Pachelbel. Lastly, we’d like to perform ‘Smoke on the Water’ again as our finale.”

For more information, and to register, go to www.redmondorchestras.org.