A String Fort Smith, founded in the summer of 2020 by Lori Fay, is aimed at fostering excellence and unprecedented performing opportunities for high school- to college-aged students interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts. Currently assisted by four devoted colleagues – Anthony Verge, Assistant Director and violin; Nathan Boyd, double bass; Barbara Godette, violoncello; and Cory Winters, viola – A String Fort Smith participants are selected based on an audition. The ensemble consists of the most advanced and dedicated students – approximately ten to fifteen (10 to 15) participants per semester – who make a commitment to rehearse for one hour once per week, on Monday evenings at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith. Participants must be engaged in private music study or plan to undertake private lessons, and are expected to diligently practice for public concerts which take place twice per year in addition to performances in a variety of local settings. The repertoire selected for A String Fort Smith rehearsals and performances comprises primarily unabridged works that students might not otherwise be exposed to in a typical school setting. Recent performances in the greater Fort Smith area include: ArcBest Headquarters; ArcBest Performing Arts Center prior to the April 20, 2024 Fort Smith Symphony concert; St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church; The Maple Room and Bookish at the Bakery District; Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine; First Presbyterian Church; and JKC Cellars.