Zebra Strings perform with Celtic Woman
May 4—A group of 25 fifth-graders from Grandview Elementary School's Zebra Strings program experienced a once-in-a-lifetime goal when they performed for the members of world-renowned, GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum selling Celtic Woman.
Celtic Woman was preparing for a performance on Wednesday at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie when they allowed the Zebra Strings on stage during a 4 p.m. sound check.
It was the second time for Zebra Strings members to perform for group, having first met them in 2019.
"We were blown away with this opportunity to just meet and play for them five years ago," said Vicki Nichols, program director. "Their violinist, Tara McNeill, invited us to return and she requested the sheet music for 'Amazing Grace,' which is our signature song."
The four performers are violinist Tara McNeill and vocalists Maired Carlin, Muirgen O'Mahon and Emma Warren.
The Grandview Strings students played four songs on the actual stage of the theatre: "Rocky Top," "Highway 40 Blues," "Amarillo by Morning" and bluegrass favorite "Dusty Ridge and Rocky Ground."
Next came the highlight of the day with Zebra Strings joining with Celtic Woman for the group's signature song, "Amazing Grace." Following the instrumental introduction, Celtic Woman sang the lyrics to the song. Then, the ladies autographed several of the students' violins.
Celtic Woman is on their 20th anniversary tour that takes them across the western half of the United States. The tour includes 70 stops and features original compositions, traditional Irish songs and reimagined contemporary songs.
The Zebra Strings program began 24 years ago with 50 violins and now every third-, fourth- and fifth-grader at Grandview Elementary plays a stringed instrument for 30 minutes each school day.
"As far as we know, we are the only public school in Texas with this type of commitment to the arts," Principal Katherine Stewart said. "The common trait of high-achieving schools tends to be a strong commitment to the arts, so we are enriching the educational experience of our students."
The two organizations have something in common. Nichols was named a semifinalist for a GRAMMY Award in the Music Educator category this past fall for her dedication to the Zebra Strings. Celtic Woman has also received a GRAMMY nomination.
"We are making Celtic Woman honorary members of the Zebra Strings," Nichols said, "complete with T-shirts and we're autographing a violin for them. We hope they return next year and perhaps we can host them on their way in and show them some Grandview-style hospitality. You never know unless you ask!"
