Priscilla Hallberg is a concert violinist and founder of the The String Academy of the Plains in Garden City, Kansas.
Hallberg grew up on the South Shore of Boston, listening to classical music. Both parents were musical, and at age nine when her mother began learning the violin, she would take her mother's violin case and a yard stick and pretend to play. She began to take lessons shortly after. At a time when other junior high students are losing interest in developing their musical talents, Hallberg's intensity grew. While her passion for strings was rare in school, the door opened to the Greater Youth Symphony, she walked in and was surrounded with an orchestra who shared her enthusiasm.
Priscilla came to Garden City, Kansas to teach at Garden City Community College. Moving from the East Coast to the plains brought her a chance to turn challenges to opportunities. With the help of other talented people, she has created a traveling oasis of art and music called, "Hear the Art, See the Music."
Hallberg and her husband teach violin in surrounding communities. They also have developed a music after-school program. The goal of all her efforts is to bring symphonic music to the plains. Her upcoming concert series is part of those efforts. The first concert in the new series is called, "España," a program celebrating the music of Spain and Brazil, featuring the violin, guitar and a Spanish dancer.
The first performance is Friday, March 22, 7:00 pm, at the Community Congregational Church in Garden City; the second is Saturday, March 23, 7:00 pm, at the Depot Theater, Dodge City. For a glimpse of the program, click here.
You can learn more about the String Academy by going to: thestringacademy.com.