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26 GUIDE TO YELLOW SPR INGS | 2021– 2022 A version of this story was originally published July 3, 2014. 57 YEARS OF YOUTHFUL MUSIC By LAUREN HEATON I n the summer of 2014, the Yellow Springs Summer Strings and Band Program had its Grande Finale concert outside at Mills Lawn. The youth played their violas and clarinets to the tune of “Cher- okee Chief,” “Slavic Air” and an all-camp sing to “The Power of One.” The event was not so unusual, as the local program that trains beginner youth to play instruments of all kinds has been ongoing for the past 50 years. But it is unusual that a town the size of Yellow Springs has a feeder program for its school orchestra and band ensembles — and that the person who started it all is still leading the charge. "I want this program to con- tinue in perpetuity — I will see to it that it does,” Shirley Mull- ins told the News. “It just can’t stop — it’s too important.” The fact that Yellow Springs has a string program at all is somewhat unusual. Many schools in the area, even larger ones such as Xenia and Beavercreek, have only band programs. It started out that way in Yellow Springs schools as well, according to Mul- lins, with students who had to pass a test to be included in the band. To Mullins, who had conducted the youth orchestra in Iowa City but felt that music was for absolutely Shirley Mullins, who with the late Mary Schumacher founded the local Summer Strings and Band program in 1964, watched over 6-year-old Quentin Branlat’s performance of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” during the program’s 50th anniversary commemora - tive concert July 5, 2014. | PHOTO BY LAUREN HEATON YS SUMMER STRINGS Unique, trendy women’s fashion and accessories 249 Xenia Ave. 937-767-8800 Funky, quirky gifts, home wares and an assortment of interesting jewelry 235 Xenia Ave. 937-767-9349