Community Strings
Upcoming Events with Community Strings!
Join the Johnstown Symphony Community Strings for its Fall Concert at St. David’s Lutheran Church!
November 19; 7:30-8:30pm
Community Strings brings together musicians from throughout the region who share a love of making music and performing together. Enjoy an evening of live music in a welcoming, relaxed setting and support the talented community musicians who make this ensemble so special.
Admission is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully appreciated and help support Community Strings and its continued programming.
We hope you’ll join us for a wonderful evening of music and community.
JSO Community Strings at Ebensburg's Dickens of a Christmas
Friday, December 4, 2026 | Cambria County Courthouse, Ebensburg
Celebrate the sounds of the season with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra's Community Strings Ensemble at Ebensburg's Dickens of a Christmas! Join us for two festive performances filled with holiday music, community spirit, and opportunities to make music together!
6:30–7:10 PM | Community Strings Holiday Performance
7:15–7:45 PM | Community Strings Carol Jam – Everyone Welcome!
Have you ever wanted to play your instrument again, but weren’t sure where to begin?
JSO Community Strings offers adult string players a welcoming place to make music, build confidence, and enjoy the experience of playing in an ensemble.
Founded in 2009 with the support of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Community Strings brings together adult violin, viola, cello, and bass players from across Somerset and Cambria counties. The group welcomes musicians of varied experience levels, including those returning to their instruments after many years, adult beginners, and players who simply want the joy of making music with others.
Under the guidance of a director, participants strengthen their skills, learn from one another, and experience the satisfaction of playing as part of a group. More than anything, Community Strings is about connection, encouragement, and the shared joy of music.
Whether you are picking up your instrument for the first time in years or looking for a friendly ensemble to keep playing, JSO Community Strings invites you to join us.
Join the Community Strings Ensemble!
Fall 2026 Semester Details
Fall Semester Begins: September 24, 2026
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: St. David’s Lutheran Church, Davidsville, Pa
Please pull to the back of the church and enter through the 1st floor
Schedule: Every Thursday evening
Fall Concert: November 19, 2026
Sign-up below!
Tuition helps support each student’s participation in Community Strings, including director and accompanist costs, venue fees, community events, and other expenses related to rehearsals and performances throughout the season.
Tuition is $50 per semester
Members who need assistance or additional time to pay are encouraged to contact the JSO before the tuition deadline.
Any conversations regarding financial hardship or payment arrangements will be handled confidentially.
Meet Our Director,
Elizabeth Pile
Elizabeth W. Pile holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Gettysburg College and a Master of Music Education from the Pennsylvania State University. She taught elementary and junior high music in public schools as well as at a local parochial elementary school for 23 years. Ms. Pile has been Director of Music at the Friedens Lutheran Church since moving to the area in 1989 where she is responsible for the children's, youth and adult choirs. Ms. Pile has also maintained a private studio since graduation from college.
Ms. Pile was a member of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra (JSO) for 27 years, and served as Manager of the JS Youth Orchestra for 18 years. Beth recently retired as the Orchestra Manager and Librarian for the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.
