Kristine Kendell, violin
As a busy five year old, Kris (Tjaden) Kendell’s parents decided that she needed something to do to keep her out of trouble. An advertisement in the Burlington Iowa newspaper for Suzuki violin lessons led to the beginning of Kris’ journey into the world of music.

Kris has studied with many outstanding violin teachers including Almita Vamos and Allen Ohmes and has played in many orchestras such as the Iowa City Youth Symphony, Iowa All State Orchestras, the Southeast Iowa Symphony, the University of Iowa Symphony, and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (since 1986). Of all varieties of music, chamber music is Kris’ favorite. She LOVES playing in the String Arts Trio! (Kris, Gail, and Scott began playing together as a church string trio.)

In addition to her performing, Kris also teaches orchestra in the Davenport Community Schools (since 1985). Kris knew at an early age that she would be a violin teacher and began teaching violin lessons to younger students while still in high school.As a graduate of the University of Iowa, Kris enjoys introducing kids to music and teaching string instruments to elementary and intermediate aged kids. Currently, Kris is also working on her Masters’ degree through Drake University (May 2005 graduation). Incidentally, Gail Blubaugh is one of Kris’ former students! As well as trio, symphony, and school, family is very important to Kris. She is married to her husband, Darren, and has two fantastic kids, Nicholas and Alyssa .