The night was filled, not only with constant cheers, but also with joyful tears. As The Boston String Quartet hosted their nationally successful Ethno-Urban Orchestra at the beautiful Rachel Schlesinger Hall last Saturday evening, not only did the dreams of 150 local high school students- to perform with the world-renown ensemble- come true, the dreams of one young musician did, as well.
Anna Schierlmann, a young cellist from North Point High School, received the shock of her life as her father, LT Derek Schierlmann, a Lieutenant in the Navy Reserve, unexpectedly walked on the concert hall stage as she accepted recognition for selling the most concert tickets. “I had no idea that he was even back in the country. I thought he was still in Africa,” begins Anna, as she recalls the moment of the surprise. “I was confused at first, but when I turned around and saw him, I was really happy!”
While Anna Schierlmann’s dream of seeing her father came true, shocking and moving the audience in the process, the infectious sounds of the Ethno-Urban Orchestra rocked the concert hall.
Indeed, the evening will be marked as one of the most memorable Ethno-urban Orchestras that Boston String Quartet has ever hosted. Contemporary classical renditions of Led Zeppelin’s “Cashmere”, Stevie Wonder’s, “Superstition”, and Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” were just some of the small dose of songs that lit up the night with a fervor for symphonic melodies and incredible sounds. Students from school s that stretch all across northern Virginia, DC and Maryland were treated to two days of workshops and rehearsals with the world-class ensemble. From the dreams of one student coming to true, to the dreams of over one-hundred playing out beautifully, the night was sure to be one to remember.
As for Anna, the experience was once in a lifetime. “I got to meet The Boston String Quartet; I got to be on the radio; I got to meet other high school musicians; I got to perform some awesome music, and at the end, I found out my Dad’s home!”
It is safe to say that the young cellist views her father- who was in charge of humanitarian assistance Djibouti, Africa, helping build 6 clinics and two schools- as her personal hero. “He always listens to me play, and encourages me when I’m feeling down.” Not only exemplifying service to his country, LT Derek Schierlmann demostrates an unfailing service to his family. Truly, The Boston String Quartet’s Ethno-Urban Orchestra set the stage for dreams to come true, and lives to be forever changed- Bravo!.
LINDSEY WILLIAMS
Lindsey Williams, writer of the successful "Notes to Self" blog, is an artist as well as advocate for education reform within schools. If you have any questions or comments regarding her articles and want to know ways to keep reading her blog, you can find her on Twitter @lindzkit or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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