The Lindbergh High School Strolling Strings recently were selected to represent the state of Missouri in a major 2003 National Music Festival in Washington, D.C., celebrating America’s heritage through music.

Susan Rola, orchestra teacher and director of the Strolling Strings, learned that the group was selected based upon recommendations of state music officials, past achievements and superior ratings.

The Strolling Strings performed in late April in Washington, D.C., in the 2003 National Festival of the States. This prestigious event is recognized by the District of Columbia, the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation and the National Park Service.

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden commended the Strolling Strings on their selection to represent the state, presenting Rola and her students with a resolution from his office.

The proclamation stated, “The lifelong lessons that these students have learned while perfecting their skills will continue to benefit them later in life as they confront the challenges of college and a career.”

Holden praised the Strolling Strings for their reputation for excellence, stating that their “performances bring a great credit to themselves, their families, their school, their community and their state.”

The Lindbergh High School Strolling Strings were formed in 1991. Performing throughout the community and St. Louis area, the students have gained much musical experience and showmanship.

Along with local engagements, the Strolling Strings have attended nine regional and national conventions, performed twice at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and opened for the Country Tonight Theatre in Branson.

At the last national convention, they were proclaimed as the most “energetic and electrifying” Strolling Strings group ever.

Rola founded the Lindbergh Strolling Strings. She has taught orchestra in the public school system in the St. Louis area for 21 years. This is her 12th year as orchestra director and strings specialist at Lindbergh.

Besides performing for enthusiastic audiences of Washington, D.C., residents, tourists and veterans groups, the students experienced other cultural activities as part of the National Festival of the States.

Students also laid a wreath from Lind-bergh High School at the Tomb of the Un-known Soldier.