GR City Strings Nonprofit

Founded in 2017, GR City Strings is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering chamber music opportunities for young musicians in Grand Rapids. Your donation supports lessons, scholarships, and community outreach.

Alicia Gregorian Sawyers

Founder & Director

📍 Grand Rapids, MI

Student

Help a young musician grow.

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Camper

Send a child to music camp.

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Teacher

Support inspiring instruction.

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Artist

Bring world-class musicians to Grand Rapids.

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🎻 Join Our Ensemble. Give today.

Why support GR City Strings

We believe music has the power to unite, inspire, and transform — and that every child deserves access to that experience, regardless of background or financial means.

Chamber Music
At the heart of chamber music lies collaboration — the art of listening, responding, and working together toward something greater than oneself. Through small ensemble playing, students learn more than just notes; they develop communication, empathy, and leadership skills and friendships that last a lifetime. Our chamber program connects students with a musical family where they belong, supported by world-renowned artists and local teachers who mentor them in both artistry and character.

Make Music Possible
Your donation helps provide: Private cello lessons and individualized instruction for students in need Chamber Music Camp scholarships that give young players a chance to learn and perform together Merit-based scholarships for outstanding students Community outreach programs bringing music to schools and neighborhoods across Grand Rapids Every contribution — big or small — helps open doors and create opportunities for children to grow through music.

Make Music Possible
Your donation helps provide: Private cello lessons and individualized instruction for students in need Chamber Music Camp scholarships that give young players a chance to learn and perform together Merit-based scholarships for outstanding students Community outreach programs bringing music to schools and neighborhoods across Grand Rapids Every contribution — big or small — helps open doors and create opportunities for children to grow through music.

GR City Strings Board

Board President, Martha has been active in the Grand Rapids arts community for more than 30 years as an actress, singer, and teacher. She served as the Education Director at St. Cecilia Music Center for 16 years before retiring in 2020. Martha has performed throughout the Midwest, and her most recent performance as a singer was a tribute to the legendary French artist Edith Piaf. In addition, she currently manages The Original Dickens Carolers MI.

Sarah Gebben holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and Language Arts from Hope College, as well as an M.Ed. in Special Education (LD) from Grand Valley State University. She is a licensed teacher in the state of Michigan. She has a wide knowledge of and experience with children who need unique supports in order to reach their full potential. She and her husband have three daughters who each play instruments: cello, classical guitar & handbells, and violin.

Violinist Megan Crawford has been a member of the Grand Rapids Symphony since 1999 and currently serves as Interim Professor of Violin at Western Michigan University. Before becoming a mother of five, she performed widely as a soloist and chamber musician. Megan earned her Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan and her Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, winning concerto competitions at both institutions. She has appeared as a featured soloist with several regional orchestras and remains active as a performer and teacher in West Michigan.

Cellist, composer, and creative collaborator Jill Collier Warne leads the opening group sessions at camp, using musical exercises to spark creativity and build community among faculty and students. She is the founder and director of Creative Connections, an international collective that develops collaborative projects exploring identity and community. Based in Grand Rapids, Jill also maintains a private cello studio and regularly leads creative workshops and cross-arts collaborations.

Martha Bundra, President

Megan Crawford

Sarah Gebben

Jill Collier Warne

501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Chamber Music Giving Circle

Join us in harmony by becoming part of our Chamber Music Giving Circle.
Just as every voice matters in an ensemble, every gift plays an essential part in our shared mission.

DONATE

Duet
$25–$100
Support a young musician’s materials and rehearsal space needs.

Trio
$100–$450
Sponsor a student’s participation in a chamber music camp.

Quartet
$450–$1,500
Sponsor a teacher’s summer camp mentorship & coaching.

Quintet
$1,500-$5,000
Sponsor a guest artist summer camp mentorship, coaching, masterclasses and performances.

Maestro
Custom Partnership
Looking to make a deeper impact? Join us as a sustaining partner, underwrite programs, or create a named scholarship.

Why GR City Strings Chamber Music Camp?

We believe every child deserves a place to belong

We believe every young musician deserves a space where they feel seen, supported, and inspired. At GR City Strings, our Chamber Music Camp is more than lessons and rehearsals — it’s a place to belong. Students form friendships, build confidence, and discover the lifelong gift of music within a caring community that feels like home.

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GR City Strings Testimonials

See why families love GR City Strings!

Read heartfelt testimonials from parents and students about our cello lessons, chamber music programs, and the supportive community that helps kids thrive.

Meggy Meyerhoffer
August 2023

This program is beyond fantastic! My daughter has participated for the last two years and has grown in her musicality, confidence, and overall teamworking skills. The staff is exceedingly knowledgeable and kind. From day one to the night of the final performance, my daughter participated in a range of different classes that were both engaging and fun! We look forward to joining again next year!

Tom J Shannon Jr.
August 2018

This program is a treasure! My daughter learned so much. She sounded better playing in her quartet at the Friday recital than I have ever heard her. She loved learning from Rodney Page, and she made new friends. We plan to sign her up next year!

Julie Tilson
August 2018

My daughter participated in the 2018 GRCMP camp and I am beyond impressed at the quality of the program that Alicia Gregorian Sawyers put together. The quality of instruction the kids received was top notch and there were fun creative elements and activities woven throughout the week. Alicia did an excellent job of bringing together a diverse group of kids with varying levels of experience and the end result was that everyone had fun, learned, made new friends and performed a stellar concert at the end. I am so thankful that my daughter was able to be a part of it all, and we will definitely be back next year if the camp is offered again! Thank you to Alicia and all of the faculty for a wonderful experience!