"We used Melodious Strings for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music. We were pleased with the communication and professionalism leading up to the wedding day as well as the musical performance on the day-of. Kate Hummel heads Melodious Strings and is the primary point of contact leading up to the event. She answered our questions quickly and provided an excellent balance between giving us some guidance on how to structure things while also giving us the freedom to make the day our own. For example - you can be very hands on (as we were) and select every song that your guests hear from the time they arrive for your ceremony, when they leave the ceremony and head to cocktail hour and during cocktail hour. She also gives you the option to pick SOME songs and have her suggest the rest or you can give her a genre and she'll select for you. This lets you be as hands on or off as you want but the communication is flawless and you will feel extremely comfortable with the music plan for your wedding day. The musicians were reliable and sounded wonderful! With all of the countless decisions you have to make for your wedding, you should absolutely choose Melodious Strings and cross this decision off your list! You will be so pleased from start to finish!"
-Armin & Eric, bride and groom at Keswick Vineyards, May 11th, 2019
Armin & Eric at Keswick Vineyards. Photography by Aaron Watson: www.aaronwatsonphoto.com
Melodious Strings' Musicians
We are a string quartet founded in the Shenandoah Valley-The Melodious Strings Quartet. Along with our string quartet, the Melodious Strings company provides a wide array of string ensemble types, including soloists, duets, trios, quartets, and quintets! We provide high quality string ensemble music and custom plans and packages for weddings and other special events. We are known for our great flexibility, and for performing a very expansive repertoire list that includes genres such as classical, pop, and rock, and more. Our musicians are extremely reliable, rigorously trained, and professional musicians who do this on a regular basis. In addition, we arrange any pieces that you love (pop, rock, new age, Celtic, movies, etc.) for our string quartet and our other string ensembles for your event.
Our company has also been approved and added to multiple preferred vendors lists at a variety of venues, including:
Our clients love and hire us for these and more great benefits.
Photo by Timothy Hoysradt
Our company has also been approved and added to multiple preferred vendors lists at a variety of venues, including:
- Pippin Hill & Vineyards in North Garden, Virginia
- Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, Virginia
- Upper Shirley Vineyards in Charles City, Virginia
- The historic Black Horse Inn in Warrenton, Virginia
- Eastwood Retreat in Warrenton, Virginia
- the Oatlands Historic House & Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia
- Lee Chapel at Washington & Lee University
- The beautiful historic home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Our clients love and hire us for these and more great benefits.
Photo by Timothy Hoysradt
Kate Hummel, violinist
Kate Hummel holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition from James Madison University, with a violin concentration. She is a violinist, violist, composer, arranger, music instructor, and founder of Melodious Strings Quartet and Professional Ensembles and Melodious Strings Studios.
Her diverse performing styles range from Celtic, to Classical, to Pop. She has placed in Irish and Scottish fiddling competitions up and down the East Coast; performed at numerous venues including the National Presbyterian Church in D.C. with the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra during their "Carmina Burana" tour, performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, and released an EP album, "As the Crow Flies", which is available on amazon and itunes. Kate has also held a number of free public concerts with other musicians to teach kids about music.
She currently performs for weddings and professional events weekly, is writing her next album, and teaches violin, fiddle, viola, music theory & composition, and piano in Fredericksburg, Virginia. When not immersed in one music activity or another, you can find Kate trying out a new cooking or baking recipe, playing with her dogs Pickle & Daisy, or adding yet another plant to her ever-expanding garden.
Her diverse performing styles range from Celtic, to Classical, to Pop. She has placed in Irish and Scottish fiddling competitions up and down the East Coast; performed at numerous venues including the National Presbyterian Church in D.C. with the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra during their "Carmina Burana" tour, performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, and released an EP album, "As the Crow Flies", which is available on amazon and itunes. Kate has also held a number of free public concerts with other musicians to teach kids about music.
She currently performs for weddings and professional events weekly, is writing her next album, and teaches violin, fiddle, viola, music theory & composition, and piano in Fredericksburg, Virginia. When not immersed in one music activity or another, you can find Kate trying out a new cooking or baking recipe, playing with her dogs Pickle & Daisy, or adding yet another plant to her ever-expanding garden.
Photography by Samantha Brooke
Michael Andree, violinist
Michael Andree holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, with a concentration in strings from the James Madison University School of Music. He is a violinist, violist, strings and music educator, and co-founder and member of the Melodious Strings Quartet and Professional Ensembles. Michael has performed with the Melodious Strings Quartet at a variety of venues all over Virginia, including the Patrick Henry Ballroom, Montpelier, Montalto, and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and he has also performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra.
The Melodious Strings Quartet has also been selected as a top 2019 vendor by Virginia Living, and is a preferred Monticello vendor. As a teacher, Michael’s dedication and passion for music and strings education has led him to train at rigorous summer string education workshops such as Bay View Music Festival and the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and he has assisted in several strings workshops held for kids at Garth Newel, Virginia.
When not performing or teaching music, Michael likes to build custom computers, learn about new tech, and tend to his two mini Australian Shepherd "dog kids", Pickle and Daisy.
The Melodious Strings Quartet has also been selected as a top 2019 vendor by Virginia Living, and is a preferred Monticello vendor. As a teacher, Michael’s dedication and passion for music and strings education has led him to train at rigorous summer string education workshops such as Bay View Music Festival and the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and he has assisted in several strings workshops held for kids at Garth Newel, Virginia.
When not performing or teaching music, Michael likes to build custom computers, learn about new tech, and tend to his two mini Australian Shepherd "dog kids", Pickle and Daisy.
Photography by Samantha Brooke
Mary Beth Logan, violist
Mary Beth Logan is a violist and violinist from James Madison University, and a member of the Melodious Strings Quartet & Professional Ensembles.
Mary Beth has performed with the James Madison University Symphony and the university’s Opera Orchestra every year during her undergraduate career, stemming from her passion for performing for musicals in high school. Throughout each semester, she has also had the privilege of appearing on stage with a diverse variety of ensembles, including but not limited to multiple chamber orchestras, vocalists, and small string ensembles.
In Mary Beth's pursuit of advancing her musicianship, she has attended various music workshops and summer programs, including the Hot Springs Music Festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the Swannanoa Chamber Music Workshop in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
Mary Beth performs professionally for weddings and special events weekly, as well as with the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra directed by Peter Wilson, and with the Bedford Community Orchestra. When not attached to her viola, she can be found lost in the great adventures of an English novel or tending to her two bunnies, Merlin and Aberforth.
Mary Beth has performed with the James Madison University Symphony and the university’s Opera Orchestra every year during her undergraduate career, stemming from her passion for performing for musicals in high school. Throughout each semester, she has also had the privilege of appearing on stage with a diverse variety of ensembles, including but not limited to multiple chamber orchestras, vocalists, and small string ensembles.
In Mary Beth's pursuit of advancing her musicianship, she has attended various music workshops and summer programs, including the Hot Springs Music Festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the Swannanoa Chamber Music Workshop in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
Mary Beth performs professionally for weddings and special events weekly, as well as with the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra directed by Peter Wilson, and with the Bedford Community Orchestra. When not attached to her viola, she can be found lost in the great adventures of an English novel or tending to her two bunnies, Merlin and Aberforth.
Photography by Samantha Brooke
Patrick Thomas Bellah, cellist
Patrick Thomas Bellah holds masters and undergraduate degrees from Arkansas University and Oklahoma City University in Cello Performance, and has performed with numerous professional ensembles, including the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra and the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra. He has also held the position of adjunct cello professor at John Brown University. He currently studies cello performance at the doctorate level, and is a teaching assistant at James Madison University.
Patrick is always busy working away at one music project or another, whether it's recording a new album with one of the many ensembles he performs with, learning contemporary and exciting new repertoire, or music jamming with faculty and students at JMU.
He is also a member of the Melodious Strings Quartet & Professional Ensembles and performs for weddings and other professional events weekly, and he also currently provides Suzuki cello instruction at the Music Preparatory Program at Eastern Mennonite College.
In Patrick's "spare time" he dotes on his two adventurous Corgis, Albus and Severus.
Patrick is always busy working away at one music project or another, whether it's recording a new album with one of the many ensembles he performs with, learning contemporary and exciting new repertoire, or music jamming with faculty and students at JMU.
He is also a member of the Melodious Strings Quartet & Professional Ensembles and performs for weddings and other professional events weekly, and he also currently provides Suzuki cello instruction at the Music Preparatory Program at Eastern Mennonite College.
In Patrick's "spare time" he dotes on his two adventurous Corgis, Albus and Severus.
Photography by Samantha Brooke
Sarah Weltman, cellist
Sarah Weltman holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Industry from James Madison University, with a concentration in cello. While studying for her degree, she performed with a variety of ensembles, including the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra. For the past decade, Sarah has been performing for weddings, church services, festivals, recitals, and with select orchestras and chamber groups in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia regions. She is also a member of the Melodious Strings Quartet & Professional Ensembles.
Sarah has a a wealth of experience working in the field of music in the context of professional events and venues. In 2016-2017, she held the position of Development and Marketing Coordinator for the JMU Symphony Orchestra, and in addition, she has vast experience in venue and artist hospitality as she has worked with many venues up and down the East coast, such as the Sprint Wireless Pavilion in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia.
Along with the variety of genres, pieces, and covers that Sarah performs with Melodious Strings, she also enjoys exploring bluegrass and jazz with her instrument. When she is isn't playing cello or teaching music, you'll find her on her yoga mat, gardening, or in the beautiful mountains of the Shenandoah Valley with her dog.
Sarah has a a wealth of experience working in the field of music in the context of professional events and venues. In 2016-2017, she held the position of Development and Marketing Coordinator for the JMU Symphony Orchestra, and in addition, she has vast experience in venue and artist hospitality as she has worked with many venues up and down the East coast, such as the Sprint Wireless Pavilion in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia.
Along with the variety of genres, pieces, and covers that Sarah performs with Melodious Strings, she also enjoys exploring bluegrass and jazz with her instrument. When she is isn't playing cello or teaching music, you'll find her on her yoga mat, gardening, or in the beautiful mountains of the Shenandoah Valley with her dog.
Greg Childress, violist
Versatile violist and violinist, Gregory Childress, earned his viola performance Bachelor's degree at James Madison University. While at JMU, he studied viola with Dr. Diane Phoenix-Neal and violin with Dr. Wanchi Huang.
Greg is an avid solo, chamber, and orchestral musician, and during his undergraduate career at JMU was principal viola of the JMU Symphony Orchestra and concertmaster of the JMU Chamber Orchestra. He also performed with the Monticello Strings and served as concertmaster of the JMU Opera Theatre Orchestra.
With a passion for education, he currently teaches Suzuki violin in Lynchburg City Schools, and has a private viola & violin studio. He is a member of the American String Teacher's Association (ASTA) and served as president of the JMU ASTA Chapter. Along with performing for weddings and events weekly, Greg also runs a very popular podcast, The Music Educator, providing tips, advice, and experienced words of wisdom for music teachers.
Outside of music, Greg enjoys vegan cooking, shopping at antique markets, spending time with his dog, Roxy, and traveling with his instruments in hand.
Greg is an avid solo, chamber, and orchestral musician, and during his undergraduate career at JMU was principal viola of the JMU Symphony Orchestra and concertmaster of the JMU Chamber Orchestra. He also performed with the Monticello Strings and served as concertmaster of the JMU Opera Theatre Orchestra.
With a passion for education, he currently teaches Suzuki violin in Lynchburg City Schools, and has a private viola & violin studio. He is a member of the American String Teacher's Association (ASTA) and served as president of the JMU ASTA Chapter. Along with performing for weddings and events weekly, Greg also runs a very popular podcast, The Music Educator, providing tips, advice, and experienced words of wisdom for music teachers.
Outside of music, Greg enjoys vegan cooking, shopping at antique markets, spending time with his dog, Roxy, and traveling with his instruments in hand.
Photo by Kiersten May Photography
Anna Sammel, violinist
Anna Sammel began her violin and music studies at a young age. The nature of her father's profession provided her the opportunity to travel all over the world, which exposed and introduced to her many types and genres of music, greatly influencing Anna as a musician.
She received her Bachelor of Music in violin performance from James Madison University, studying classically under Dr. Wanchi Huang and Dr. Dina Nesterenko, and is currently pursuing her masters degree in violin performance at George Mason University, studying under Professor June Huang. In addition to performing professionally for weddings and other special events regularly, Anna enjoys being an active member of the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra in Fredericksburg, is a member of the pit orchestra at the Riverside Dinner Theater in Fredericksburg, and is a member of the Pan Am Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C. Anna currently resides in Stafford, where she provides private instruction in violin and viola. Photography by Ashley Vanley |
Madeline Southall, cellist
Madeline Southall holds an undergraduate degree in Cello Performance from Liberty University. She has studied under both David Feldman of the Roanoke Symphony and Neil Cary of the Richmond Symphony and has sat as principle cellist for the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, Liberty University Symphony Orchestra, and Randolph College Orchestra. She has performed with a variety of ensembles in Virginia including the James Chamber Orchestra, Danville Symphony Orchestra, the Liberty University Scholarship String Quartet, and the Virginia Cello Ensembles.
Madeline is an active freelance musician and regularly performs for weddings and events both as a solo performer and as a cellist for the Melodious Strings Quartet. She has over four years of private teaching experience in Roanoke, Virginia, and two years of experience as the Head Resident Advisor for the Heifetz International Summer Music Institute's "Program for the Exceptionally Gifted" in Staunton, Virginia. She enjoys playing for Musical Theatre and has performed for many theatre companies in the Lynchburg and Charlottesville areas including the Lynchburg Academy Center of the Arts, Alluvion Stage Company, and the Charlottesville Ballet. Madeline currently teaches privately out of her home in Richmond, VA and at Roberson's Music in Fredericksburg, VA. She plans to begin her graduate degree in Cello Performance in the Fall of 2020.
When not teaching or playing the cello, Madeline can be found hiking in the mountains, pulling shots of espresso, or chasing cows on her trusty Quarter horse mare, Miss Sue.
Madeline is an active freelance musician and regularly performs for weddings and events both as a solo performer and as a cellist for the Melodious Strings Quartet. She has over four years of private teaching experience in Roanoke, Virginia, and two years of experience as the Head Resident Advisor for the Heifetz International Summer Music Institute's "Program for the Exceptionally Gifted" in Staunton, Virginia. She enjoys playing for Musical Theatre and has performed for many theatre companies in the Lynchburg and Charlottesville areas including the Lynchburg Academy Center of the Arts, Alluvion Stage Company, and the Charlottesville Ballet. Madeline currently teaches privately out of her home in Richmond, VA and at Roberson's Music in Fredericksburg, VA. She plans to begin her graduate degree in Cello Performance in the Fall of 2020.
When not teaching or playing the cello, Madeline can be found hiking in the mountains, pulling shots of espresso, or chasing cows on her trusty Quarter horse mare, Miss Sue.
Header Image:
The Melodious Strings Quartet performing for a wedding ceremony at the Wilton House Museum. Photography by Katie Nesbitt.
The Melodious Strings Quartet performing for a wedding ceremony at the Wilton House Museum. Photography by Katie Nesbitt.