Specializing in personalized wedding music, the Contemporary String Ensemble has been sharing the joy of music in Charleston, SC, as well as Myrtle Beach, Savannah, and the surrounding area for over 10 years. Our passion is sharing our music with others and seeing the joy it brings into their lives. There is nothing like live music!

Besides countless weddings, we have played for Piccolo Spoleto, the South Carolina Aquarium Water Ball, the Air Force Order of the Pelicans award dinner, the Coastal Community Foundation major donor dinner, and many others. Our three core members have a combined 40 years experience as musicians. We love what we do and hope to bring our excitement for music to your event!

Our mission is to help couples make their vision for their wedding a reality. That's why we work individually with you to find what works best for your needs. This includes customizing the instrument combination and music selections, adding special request songs for free, and working with the unique outline of your wedding ceremony.

The Contemporary Sting Ensemble can come several ways depending on your needs: String Quartet or Trio; Violin and Cello Duet; and Solo Violin or Cello.

Austin Fitzhenry began studying cello at age six with former Charleston Symphony Orchestra principal cellist James Holland. Growing up in a musical family, he had the opportunity to begin performing at a very young age and played in his first wedding when only 11 years old. Eleven years of wedding performances later, Austin still gains a thrill from bringing the joy of music to listeners. In 2006 Austin earned a full scholarship for summer study at the Brevard Music Center. He has performed as a soloist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and served as principal cellist of the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra for 3 years. Austin continues to enjoy each and every opportunity he receives to make music.

Shannon Fitzhenry has studied violin for 15 years, and is currently principal 2nd violinist of the College of Charleston Chamber Orchestra. At the age of 10, she attended the Amati Music Festival in Albany, New York, where she performed in masterclasses and concerts regularly. In 2007, Shannon won the South Carolina MTNA Competition. She has performed as a soloist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Orchestra in their season opening performance. In 2012, Shannon was accepted with a full scholarship into the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. Also in 2012, she placed first in the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. Music is her passion, and she plans to pursue a lifelong career in her field.

Monica Clark has been playing the violin for over 16 years. She was taught by Geoffrey Applegate, famous performer, music minus one recording artist, and principle violinist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Monica was principle violinist of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and first violinist in the Oakland Symphony Orchestra. She was awarded Honors Recital Soloist at Western Michigan University. She is a graduate of Saint Mary's College of Madonna University in Michigan. Monica has directed the Instrumental Music Team at Southern Catholic College and has taught Music at Pinecrest Academy. Over the years, she has classically trained hundreds of violinists both young and old.