October 16-17, 2026
Wright State University
On this page:
- 2026 Guest Conductor
- About the Festival
- Solo Competition
- String Teacher Professional Development Day
- Registration
- 2026 Festival Schedule
- Festival Photo Galleries
2026 Guest Conductor
James Ledbetter
James Ledbetter holds both a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education from Wright State University, with emphasis in Double Bass and Classical Guitar. His principal teachers include Donald Compton, Mark Morton, Jim McCutcheon, and Douglas Neidt.
As a Conducting Fellow at the University of South Carolina, Mr. Ledbetter studied with Paul Vermel, Donald Portnoy, Peter Jaffe, and Victoria Bond. A former conductor of the Springfield Youth String Ensemble, Youth Chamber Orchestra and the Youth Symphony, in 2006 he led over 180 students in the world premiere of Mark Bernard’s Fantasia on the Water is Wide.
A double bassist, his performance credits include: The Springfield Symphony, Middletown Symphony, Butler Philharmonic Orchestra, Wright State University Chamber and Community Orchestras, as well as the Wright State University Department of Theatre and Motion Pictures.
As a teacher, Mr. Ledbetter has served as Orchestra Director for the Kettering City Schools, Hamilton City Schools and the Forest Hills City Schools. Additionally, Mr. Ledbetter is the Director of Music for the Lindenwald Baptist Church in Fairfield, Ohio where his diverse music background is engaged.
About the Festival
The Wright State University School of Fine and Performing Arts will host its fifth annual Fall Strings Festival for high school students on October 16-17, 2026. This event will showcase the wealth of young performing talent in Southwestern and Central Ohio.
Students will gather for three days of coaching and rehearsals, and they will perform in a Festival Orchestra alongside Wright State string majors. Wright State String Faculty members will coach students in sectionals and masterclasses, and our guest conductor will conduct the Festival Orchestra rehearsals and concert.
Wright State Orchestra Faculty
- James Johnston, Wright State Orchestra Coordinator
- Dr. In-Hong Cha, Violin
- Mr. Thomas Sobieski, Violin
- Dr. Kevin Nordstrom, Viola
- Dr. Franklin Cox, Cello
- Vinnie Marshall, Double Bass
Solo Competition
Calling all festival students! The Wright State University String Faculty invite participation in a solo competition for high school students registered for our 6th Annual Fall Strings Festival. The competition will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026. Wright State String Faculty will act as judges. The winner will be announced shortly after the competition and be invited to perform their solo movement or piece at the Saturday afternoon final concert.
Competition Guidelines
- The competition is open to all high school students registered for and participating in the fifth Annual Wright State Fall Strings Festival.
- Competitors must register for and participate in all general festival activities including orchestra, sectionals, etc. (see the festival schedule for further details). Concerns? Let us know. Make sure you have selected participation in the competition on the registration page!
- One movement from a Concerto or Sonata or other solo work will be selected for performance by the competitor (with consultation from the teacher/private instructor) and must be from the standard repertoire for orchestral stringed instruments and orchestra: violin, viola, cello, or bass. Past winners have played repertoire such as Bruch's Violin Concerto in G minor mvt. 1 and "Summer" from Vivaldi's Four Seasons. N.B. Each concerto from Vivaldi's Four Seasons will count as one "movement" given their short length and will be performed as such. Please email James Johnston for questions concerning repertoire at james.johnston@wright.edu or Dr. In-Hong Cha at in-hong.cha@wright.edu.
- Each competitor must perform with piano accompaniment if required in the selected piece. The competitor is responsible for supplying their own accompanist and said accompanist must be available for the Friday competition and final concert on Saturday afternoon. While Wright State will not supply an accompanist for competitors, we are happy to make a recommendation with at least one week's advanced notice prior to the competition date.
String Teacher Professional Development Day
On the Friday of the Fall Strings Festival, we invite area string teachers to join us for a day of professional development. This will include clinics with Wright State faculty and guest artists and time to observe or sit in on a Festival Orchestra rehearsal. Lunch is included and the day is free to all participants.
To register for the String Teacher Professional Development Day, teachers should email Bill Jobert, coordinator of music education at william.jobert@wright.edu.
Registration
The registration fee is $55 and is non-refundable. Fees are payable online.
For more information, contact James Johnston at james.johnston@wright.edu or Bill Jobert at william.jobert@wright.edu.
Download and complete the Medical Release Form (PDF) and bring it with you to the festival.
Registration is online. Payment can be made by Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or webCheck.
2026 Festival Schedule
Friday, October 16
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 to 9 a.m. | Jazz and Doughnuts in the CAC lobby |
| 9 to 11 a.m. | Festival Orchestra Rehearsal |
| 11 a.m. to Noon | Sectionals with WSU String Faculty |
| Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Lunch at the Student Union |
| 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Festival Orchestra Rehearsal |
| 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. | Wright State String Faculty and Student Recital |
| 3:30 to 6 p.m. | Festival Orchestra rehearsal & Solo Competition |
Saturday, October 17
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. to Noon | Festival Orchestra rehearsal |
| 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. | Pizza Lunch |
| 1:30 to 3:15 p.m. | Festival Orchestra Rehearsal Masterclasses with Wright State String Faculty |
| 4 p.m. | Festival Orchestra Concert Featuring; Festival Orchestra, WSU Chamber Orchestra, Solo Competition winner |
Festival Photo Galleries
2024
2023
2022
