Photo Andy Scheck

Lamorinda string players were treated to a lively clinic offered by a special guest at the "Summer String Thing," a two-week camp at the Hacienda de las Flores through Moraga Parks and Recreation. Keith Lawrence, viola player for the Quartet San Francisco, a Grammy-nominated string quartet that specializes in "alternative styles" string playing such as jazz and rock, dropped by to work with the group of 23 enthusiastic students (grades 4-9). Lawrence coached the young musicians through the Temptations' hit, "My Girl." He taught a message of joy in music and rhythm, saying, "The most important thing about any music is the groove. Even more important than getting all the notes perfectly."