Featuring violin, viola, and cello, accompanied by a robust rhythm section, the repertoire for this ensemble focuses on material with a strong historical connection to string playing from Western swing pioneer Bob Wills to jazz violinists Stéphane Grappelli, Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith, and Jean-Luc Ponti, to blues players Sugarcane Harris and Gatemouth Brown, to newgrass innovators Vassar Clements, Darol Anger, and David Grisman. Director Randy Sabien expects this ensemble to become a showcase for the top string players at McNally Smith and to participate in regional and national events outside of the college.