Our motto at RSS is “Inspiring Music – Inspired Musicians”, and this very much sums up our anticipated impact on both our community of participants, and the broader community in our region. Participants in RSS enter the summer months re-engaged in learning and excited about their growth and development, are keen to join their local Youth Orchestra or large ensemble in the Fall, and seek out chamber music opportunities and concerts to attend. The excitement and sense of achievement enhances self-esteem, and we hope leads to a life-long love of our art form. In an era of increasing screen-based loneliness for young people, the in-person connection, teamwork, and socialization that RSS provides is a unique opportunity for dynamic musical and interpersonal growth. Our adult participants return to their home orchestras with increased technical ability, enhanced musical perspectives, and a rejuvenated love of playing. We invite our community into RSS each year through featured performances to witness exceptional performances by visiting faculty and students alike, to showcase that our art form remains vital and relevant for our times. 

The primary goal of RSS each year is to foster musical excellence through collaboration and personal growth among string players of all ages in Saskatchewan and beyond. RSS seeks to cultivate a supportive musical community where students learn from accomplished faculty and peers, building lasting connections that encourage lifelong engagement with the arts. The program also strives to enhance accessibility by offering opportunities to students of varying ages and background, and to showcase the vibrancy of our art form through public presentations. Our ultimate hope each year is to enrich Saskatchewan’s cultural landscape by nurturing the next generation of musicians, promoting excellence in string performance, and celebrating the joy of collaborative music.

Over many years of operation, RSS has demonstrated a significant and lasting impact on both participants and the broader cultural community in Saskatchewan. For students, RSS provides an immersive environment that accelerates musical development, strengthens technical and ensemble skills, and deepens artistic confidence. By engaging with professional musicians and peers in a collaborative setting, participants gain mentorship, performance experience, and a renewed motivation to pursue music at higher levels—whether in school programs, community orchestras, or post-secondary studies. The program’s influence extends beyond individual growth: RSS fosters a vibrant network of young musicians who contribute to the vitality of the province’s cultural ecosystem. Its public performances and partnerships enhance community access to live classical music and promote youth engagement in the arts. In the long term, RSS seeks to sustain Saskatchewan’s musical heritage by cultivating the next generation of skilled, inspired performers and arts advocates.