Teays Valley Strings perform at the Putnam County Laibrary on Saturday, March 15th.

The patrons of the Putnam County Library were treated to a performance by the Teays Valley Strings this past Saturday, March 15. The all-string ensemble features violins, violas, and cellos, and is composed of local youth who are in elementary though high school. Due to the proximity to St. Patrick’s Day, one of the selections chosen for the event was the famous tune, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.”

Other selections included the Kerry Polka, a traditional Irish polka; “Lavender’s Blue,” an English folk song; “The Grumpy Pirate,” a sea shanty from the British Isles; “Oats and Beans and Barley Grow,” a traditional folk song; “Bile ‘em Cabbage Down,” an old time hoedown tune; and Kookaburra,” a song from Australia. The favorite selection of the young performers was “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

This is the first time that Teays Valley Strings has performed at the Putnam County Library. The event was well attended, with a large crowd of both children and adults listening to the young performers.

“Every March, Putnam County Tourism has an event called Tastes and Talents which showcases local eateries and highlights the arts here in Putnam County,” said Megan Tarbett, Library Director. “The Library plans multiple events with that theme in mind, and we are so pleased to have the Teays Valley Strings play here at the Library. Any opportunity for music education the Library supports.”

The Teays Valley Strings was established in 2006 and is directed by Dr. Frederick Meyer. There are around 20 students in the group, which includes first graders through high schoolers. The ensemble has performed at various places in the surrounding area, including the Huntington Museum of Art, the Putnam County Board of Education, local schools, and living assisting facilities. Dr. Meyer has a long educational career, having taught at Cornell University, University of Maine, and the West Virginia Institute of Technology. He also performed with the West Virginia Symphony for more than 30 years.

Desiring to bring musical education to local children, Dr. Meyer teaches music at various Putnam County schools. On Mondays and Wednesdays, he teaches at West Teays Elementary; on Tuesdays he goes to Eastbrook Elementary; and on Thursdays he visits Winfield Elementary.

Teays Valley Strings will be playing at West Teays Elementary this Friday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.