Chattanooga Strings is a premier youth symphony program dedicated to fostering musical talent and inspiring young musicians in the Chattanooga area. Through a blend of expert instruction, community performance, and opportunities for growth, we strive to develop not only skillful players but also passionate artists.
Our program is open to students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced musicians, providing a supportive and challenging environment. Whether you are looking to explore the world of orchestral music or enhance your technique, Chattanooga Strings offers a space where students can thrive.
Under the direction of our talented leaders, Ben Van Wrinkle and Bryony Stroud-Watson, our young musicians receive world-class training and the chance to perform in a variety of settings, from local community events to prestigious concerts. Our commitment is to help each student reach their full musical potential, cultivate lifelong skills, and create lasting memories.
Join us in making music, building friendships, and creating a brighter future for young musicians in Chattanooga!
Leads
Bryony Stroud-Watson, Director of Allegro and Vivo
Bryony Stroud-Watson balances a career as a performer and teacher of violin and viola and full time caregiver of her husband David, Dax the Axolotl and two rescue dogs, Harbor and Hugo. After a busy freelance career in New York and New England lasting over a decade, Bryony has returned to her hometown in Chattanooga, TN.
As a NY violinist, Bryony has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and concertmaster for the Chelsea Symphony, the Artemis Chamber Ensemble, the Greater Bridgeport Symphony and Orchestra, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. Bryony performs locally with the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera and frequently performs chamber music with her colleagues.
Passionate about new music, she especially enjoys working with living composers and premiering new works. Bryony’s work with puppeteers, dancers, visual artists, actors and models in traditional and non-traditional spaces reflects her belief that collaboration is the heart of creativity.
A passionate educator, Bryony has over 25 years of teaching experience. Bryony conducted two of the four ensembles with the Chattanooga Youth Symphony before co-founding Chattanooga Strings in 2025. She also co-founded the Chattanooga Suzuki Collaborative in 2019 which provides area Suzuki students and teachers opportunities to perform together animating public spaces. Bryony maintains a private music studio in St. Elmo which is made up of students of all ages (3 yo to adults). Bryony is known for her commitment to her students, nurturing personality, and passionate approach to music, gardening, and living.
Ben Van Winkle, Director of Serenade
Ben Van Winkle is a cellist, composer, singer, and guitarist based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His musical work bridges performance, composition, and community leadership, reflecting a deep commitment to both artistic innovation and local engagement.
In addition to his role as director of Chattanooga Strings, he also conducts the Chattanooga Harp Ensemble and leads the McCallie Cello Choir, fostering growth and collaboration among developing musicians.
As a performer, Ben is a frequent member of the cello sections of the Chattanooga Symphony, Bryan Symphony, and Huntsville Symphony. In 2024, he appeared as a soloist with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra in a concert featuring an entire program of his original compositions. The CSO has also performed two of his symphonic works, in 2021 and 2023.
Beyond his orchestral work, Ben is the founder of the Figment Chamber Ensemble (established in 2018), which showcases new works by local composers alongside his own. In collaboration with the ensemble, he released his debut album, “Saunter On” in 2021 now available on all major platforms.