SEQUIM –– Sequim Community Orchestra’s Strings in the Schools program begins next Tuesday for students who want to learn to play orchestral stringed instruments.
The free program is open to Sequim students in the fourth and fifth grades.
Those interested can attend Tuesday’s session, which begins at 3:15 p.m. at Greywolf Elementary School, 171 Carlsborg Road.
Under the guidance of orchestra music director Phil Morgan-Ellis, the class had 22 students enrolled last year.
Lili Green, orchestra president, said demand was so high that organizers added a new class for beginning students.
The class will be taught by Green and Sequim teacher Margaret Whitely. Emma Mitchell will teach cello students.
Mentorship
Students also will have the opportunity to learn from more experienced amateurs, since members of the orchestra will participate in a mentorship program this year, Green said.
Classes will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. at Greywolf.
Students from Helen Haller Elementary can take school buses to Greywolf for the class.
The program is funded by grants and donations, with a $3,000 grant from the Floyd and Delores Jones Foundation footing a large portion of the bill.
Students supply only instruments, though Green said the orchestra does have some donated instruments available for loan.
To help, community members can donate instruments and/or money for the orchestra’s Sponsor a Child program.
Green said half- and three-quarter-sized violins, small violas and cellos are especially needed.
For more information, visit sequimcommunityorchestra.org or contact Green at legreenmusic@gmail.com or 360-681-5469.
