I’ve just about wrapped up the score for Charles Mattocks’ new project, Trial By Fire, and I feel compelled–COMPELLED, I tell you–to share some background about one particular track, Trial By Fire Appalachio. The strings you hear are played by three young ladies with big souls and lots of talent: Harriet, age 11, on violin 1; Ouisie, age 10, on cello; and Kit, age 7, on violin 2. I had the pleasure of working alongside them and their teeny, tiny instruments one beautiful morning recently, and the result is just lovely. My deepest thanks go out to dad and mom Ted and Katherine Engelke for making it all possible, and for making the whole experience so pleasant.

Scroll down to see photos and hear the music! Harriet, Ouisie, Kit: bravo! You’re awesome.