SGM Matthew Evans
- Biographical Information
SGM Matthew Evans joined The U.S. Army Strings in 2007. A native of State College, Pennsylvania, he studied with James Lyon at Penn State University, and Christophe and Judy Bosua at the Ecole Suzuki School in Lyon, France. SGM Evans earned his bachelor's degree in violin performance from the University of Louisville, where he studied with Peter McHugh and Paul York, and was concertmaster of the UofL Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Kim Lloyd. He has been featured soloist with the Williamsport Symphony, Nittany Valley Symphony, Louisville Symphony, Sewanee Summer Music Festival Orchestra, and the United States Army Orchestra. Highlights of SGM Evans’ Army career have been performing with the Joint Forces Orchestra for President Obama's inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial, featuring alongside acclaimed fiddler and jazz violinist Mark O'Conner, performing the Theme from Schindler's List for six of The National Holocaust Museum Days of Remembrance Ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol, and leading the Strolling Strings during the NATO 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington, DC. Throughout his Army career, SGM Evans has held roles as strings’ adjunct librarian, supply liaison, budget NCO, Stroll Leader, and Group Leader. He currently serves as Element Leader for The U.S. Army Strings.
The U.S. Army Strings, a premier ensemble of the U.S. Armed Forces, provide a musical backdrop for many of the country’s most notable events. Their mission is to serve as musical ambassadors for high-level military and government events at home and abroad, as well as in concert for public audiences. The Soldiers who comprise this ensemble have been trained at the most prestigious music conservatories and universities in the country. This versatile ensemble performs as The U.S. Army Strolling Strings, in mixed chamber ensembles, and as The U.S. Army Orchestra. The U.S. Army Strolling Strings are one of the most requested musical ensembles by our nation’s military leadership. Since its inception during the Truman administration, the group has provided musical entertainment at the White House for every president. Missions include performing for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, kings, queens, and heads of state from countries worldwide. The Strolling Strings offer audiences the unique perspective of being within the ensemble as Soldiers elegantly move about the venue playing their instruments. The Strolling Strings offer a wide array of memorized repertoire, including patriotic, classical, international, jazz, Broadway, bluegrass, and exclusive music arrangements for special guests and events. Chamber music is a core element of The U.S. Army Strings’ mission. String quartets provide a backdrop for significant official functions as well as public performances. Duos, trios, quartets, and mixed chamber ensembles perform in venues throughout the National Capital Region. The U.S. Army Strings join with Soldiers from other elements of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” to form The U.S. Army Orchestra. This group performs musical works from a diverse repertoire at some of the nation’s finest venues, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, Lincoln Center in New York City, the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at Maryland, College Park, and the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia.