Charlotte Barnes launched the Ridgefield Youth Orchestra in spring 2024 with just four violinists

When Charlotte Barnes moved her family to Ridgefield a few years ago, she was surprised to discover something missing in the area: a string orchestra program.

“I grew up always being in orchestras,” Barnes said. “I started playing in them when I was little—middle school, high school, even in college. Orchestra was such a big part of my life. So when we moved here, I was shocked that there wasn’t a string orchestra program in Ridgefield.”

That realization planted a seed. At first, Barnes pushed the idea away. “None of my kids play string instruments yet, and I’m really busy. I’m not the person for this. But that idea would not leave my mind. I just kept thinking I should start one.”

After researching options — hosting at a church, a Grange hall, or even her home — Barnes discovered Ridgefield School District’s Community Education program. Through a conversation with Community Education Director Mandy Evans, she found the perfect fit. “I realized I could hold rehearsals at schools and it would be advertised to kids across the district. I thought, this is it. This is perfect.”

Starting small, dreaming big

Barnes launched the Ridgefield Youth Orchestra in spring 2024 with just four violinists. To fill out the group for their first concert, she invited community members to play viola, cello, and bass. With only seven rehearsals, the group performed six pieces at the end of the last school year.

“It was wonderful,” Barnes said. “We started small, but I have big dreams. I want Ridgefield to one day have a robust string orchestra program they can be proud of—multiple levels, competitions, and performances like the bigger school districts.”

This fall, the program grew to six violinists. One of the things Barnes loves most about the small group is the collaborative spirit. Students help select the pieces they perform, ranging from classical favorites to modern ensemble works, and even a bluegrass song with guitar, banjo, and tambourine played by her own children. “When you play a string instrument, it’s not as fun to just play by yourself. You want to play with other people. And now they can.”

Balancing music and busy schedules

Barnes designed the orchestra with Ridgefield’s student-athletes in mind. The program runs in fall, winter, and spring sessions that align with sports seasons. “If you’re doing cross country in the fall and can’t participate, you can do orchestra in winter,” she explained. “The hope is that students can join when their schedules allow.”

Each session ends with a concert. The first performance of the year will be Thursday, November 20, at 7 p.m. in the View Ridge Middle School Black Box theater. Admission is free, and the program will feature ensemble pieces, duets, solos, and a variety of styles. The orchestra will also perform at the Downtown Ridgefield Hometown Celebration on Saturday, December 6th at 10 a.m.

A passion project

Barnes, who studied violin and earned a degree in psychology at Brigham Young University, has been teaching and leading musical groups for more than a decade. She conducts children’s choir at her church, organizes summer ensembles, and teaches family music classes. Despite her experience, she emphasizes that this new orchestra is about joy and growth, not perfection.

“This is supposed to be a fun thing,” she said. “I’m not a serious, strict person. This is just making music together, learning and growing.”

She also points out that her work with the orchestra is entirely volunteer. While students pay a small fee through Community Education, those funds go toward books, sheet music, facilities, and insurance. Barnes has also registered the Ridgefield Youth Orchestra as a nonprofit to make scholarships available.

It costs more than the incoming tuition to run; I spend a lot of my own money,” she admitted. “We’re always seeking donations, because some students can’t afford even the small fee. If someone believes strongly in music, I would love their assistance.” 

Donations can be made by contacting Barnes directly at ridgefieldyouthorchestra@gmail.com.

An invitation to play

For students who already play violin, viola, cello, or bass, Barnes has a clear pitch: “You’ve put in so much work to become a great player. Come join us and make music together. It’s a whole different experience playing with other instruments—there’s so much energy. And you’ll always be remembered as a founding member who helped start something big for Ridgefield.”

Barnes also encourages local adult musicians to get involved. “I need adults who can help with sectionals or perform with us, especially if they play cello or bass. Please spread the word to anyone you know who plays a string instrument. Also, if you can help with teaching, conducting, marketing, administration, social media, fundraising, networking, etc, please reach out.”

For Barnes, the motivation comes from her own experience as a young musician. “All my best friends were in orchestra,” she said. “It was a beautiful way to create and contribute. I want Ridgefield youth to have those same experiences.”

With passion, persistence, and community support, Barnes believes Ridgefield’s newest music tradition is just beginning to take shape.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in the Youth Orchestra, please visit thersd.org/Orchestra. 

Information provided by the Ridgefield School District.