Staff photo by Connor Cummiskey The advanced students from Suzuki School of Music perform for patrons in Lola — an American Bistro for the school’s annual Spring Gala.

NEW ULM — The air in Lola – an American Bistro was alive with singing strings Sunday during a fundraiser for the local Suzuki music school.

The New Ulm Suzuki School of Music held its Spring Gala Sunday evening, featuring pasta and wine tasting and live music.

“It raises money for scholarships for students and to put on special clinics for the students,” Bass Teacher Carolyn Borgen said.

The Allegro Strings played under the soft, yellow lights in Lola’s while patrons ate and bid in a silent auction.

The group is a classical string ensemble populated by Suzuki’s advanced students.

About 90 people showed up, almost selling out the event. The gala usually raises between $3,000 and $3,500 for the school.

The school uses the money to fund scholarships for students to go to special events. Borger’s daughter Elizabeth, 9, has received multiple scholarships to go to music camps and a Viola-group in Stevens Point, Wis.

Clinics, special classes hosted by guests, also receive funds from the event.

Suzuki offers lessons, camps and recitals to help kids learn instruments. The school focuses on violin piano and viola and has additional teachers for cello and bass.

To learn more contact the school at (507) 276-5874 or visit its website at newulmsuzuki.org.

“The Suzuki School is just a great asset to the community and we are really lucky to have so many talented teachers,” Borgen said.

Connor Cummiskey can be emailed at ccummiskey@nujournal.com.