Do you play the violin, viola, or cello?

Young string musicians will get the chance to participate in Comox Valley鈥檚 first-ever youth orchestra.

Principal Han Bae of Gaglardi Academy saw the academic and psychological benefits of having a strings program exclusively for young musicians.

鈥淐urrently we do not have a strings program in the Comox Valley school system,鈥� Bae said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to open our doors to all students in the community.鈥�

The repertoire will consist of classical music and a commissioned mystery piece. The mystery composition will be easy enough for beginners to play, but a musical puzzle for advanced players.

Bae recruited Naoko Matsumura McKee to lead this program. She originally trained as a music psychotherapist and studied violin under the tutelage of Jeremy Bell of the Penderecki String Quartet.

As a youth, McKee participated in various international youth strings programs. During her music psychotherapy career, she worked with various groups, but mainly with the Winnipeg School Division which gave her experience in the school system and students with diverse needs.

The youth orchestra aims to enhance ensemble skills and teach essential orchestral skills geared towards youth. Students will also have opportunities to give ideas for performances and try out their compositions if they desire.

鈥淲e want this program to be where students feel safe to explore their creativity, build confidence, and most of all have fun,鈥� McKee said.  鈥淪tudents may not realize it now, but music will be something you can enjoy throughout your lifetime.鈥�

To participate in the youth orchestra, students must provide their own instruments and read music. There will be a variety of music prepared so students of all levels can participate.

If students are interested in learning how to play a stringed instrument for the first time, they can join beginner violin classes held on Fridays at Gaglardi Academy.

Semester 1 starts Sept. 23, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., for a total of 13 sessions including a performance date. The fee is $130.

High school students can attend after classes are finished.

Registration and further information are available at . Interested parties can also email the office@gaglardiacademy.ca or call 250-339-1200.