Thirteen talented fifth-grade musicians from Bear Creek School proudly represented the Elizabethtown Area School District at the 2025 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 7 Elementary String Fest. This highly regarded festival was held on Saturday, April 5, at Mountain View Middle School in the Cumberland Valley School District.

The Bear Creek students selected to participate were:

• Violin – Melanie Incollingo, Clare Hynes, Serenity Schwartz, Landon Skupny, Rhys McFadden, Derek Gingerich, Hana Hershey, Levin McMullin
• Viola – Joel Shorner-Johnson, Clayton Shockey
• Cello – Judi Morehart, Ainsley Shelton
• String Bass – Kyla Rice

Under the direction of guest conductor Mrs. Julia Plato and hosted by Mrs. Travis Pierce, this year’s String Fest brought together young string players from across Central Pennsylvania for a day of musical growth, collaboration, and performance. Students worked diligently to prepare a challenging repertoire and performed as part of a full string orchestra alongside peers from other districts.