Friends of Ames Strings

03/25/2026

Scholarship Oppoertunity!

Mary Kay Polashek served as Orchestra Director at Ames High School from 1987 - 2022. Her outstanding connection with students, passion for music, and innate ability to bring out the best in others has inspired thousands of young musicians in Central Iowa. As a teacher, musician, director, and volunteer, Mary Kay created a lasting legacy.

In honor of her contributions, Friends of Ames Strings established this scholarship in her name. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a plan to continue music studies post-graduation. Majoring in music is not a requirement.

Scholarship Amount: $1000 (minimum)
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Award Date: May 15, 2026

Public Award Announcement: AHS Pops Concert on May 18, 2026 - 7:30 p.m.

The Mary Kay Polashek Scholarship will be awarded following committee review to the student or students who demonstrate a dedication to continued music study, passion for sharing music with others, and determination to grow as a musician. Funding will be sent directly to the finance office/financial aid office of designated institution.



Link to Access the Application:

Mary Kay Polashek served as Orchestra Director at Ames High School from 1987 - 2022. Her outstanding connection with students, passion for music, and innate ability to bring out the best in others has inspired thousands of young musicians in Central Iowa. As a teacher, musician, director, and volunt...

03/06/2026

The Ulysses Quartet will be playing a concert next week on March 12 as part of the Ames Town and Gown 2025/2026 Season, but first, they will be offering a free small group opportunity to meet and hear them in a less formal setting.

This free community event will take place on
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6:00 pm
Northridge Village, 3300 George Washington Carver Ave, Ames.
The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Tickets for the concert on March 12 are also free to students in grades kindergarten through college. The cost for adults is $35.
https://www.amestownandgown.org/

Formed in 2015, the Ulysses Quartet, (violinists Christina Bouey and Rhiannon Banerdt, violist Colin Brookes, and cellist Grace Ho) has earned top prizes at Fischoff, Schoenfeld and Osaka competitions, praised for "the kind of chemistry many quartets long for but never achieve” (The Strad).

Known for championing diverse composers and community engagement, the quartet has performed at a wide array of venues, including Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall.

They are also part of an innovative residency at Boston's public radio station GBH.

04/14/2025

We would like to invite the Ames community (especially strings players from 4th-12 grades) to attend a free evening with international touring violin soloist Kevin Zhu on May 9th! Please see the link below for more information.

https://www.friendsofamesstrings.com/home/kevin-zhu-recital

11/06/2024

Ames Town and Gown has a wonderful concert coming up this weekend, and all of the performers have close ties to Ames! Can’t wait to see so many familiar faces both on stage and in the audience. Students (K-12) and ISU employees are free, so bring everyone, it’s going to be a great event! 😃🎻🎻

07/16/2024

Join us for our Community Concert on Friday, July 19th at 6:30 pm at Ames City Auditorium! Nearly 100 students ages 2nd greade-9th grade will perform. A few students will also perform at the Farmer's Market on Saturday, July 20th around 9:45 am.

05/05/2024

Congratulations to the Ames High Freshmen Orchestra, who achieved a Level 1 rating at the Iowa High School Music Association State Large Group Festival today! Lots of FOAS alumni in this group 🫶🏻

04/19/2024

Congratulations on your retirement and 24 amazing years, Helen Park! What a special evening of music with the Fellows, Meeker and Sawyer combined orchestra!