The city of Buellton has awarded a grant to local nonprofit Santa Barbara Strings to produce the Buellton Strings Project, a 16-week introductory strings course for Buellton youth ages 5-14.

Buellton Strings Project musicians perform in their first Spring Concert 2025. (Courtesy photo)
Buellton Strings Project musicians perform in their first Spring Concert 2025. (Courtesy photo)

The grant (a value of more than $800 per student), made through the city’s Arts and Culture Program, will provide professional weekly instruction after school at the Buellton Rec Center, including either a violin or cello (sized to fit each student) to take home for weekly practice.

The Buellton Strings Project will run January through May with a free community performance at its conclusion.

New this year will be the opportunity for students to go beyond the introductory course and continue with one-on-one lessons subsidized through the Buellton Arts & Culture grant. 
 
“Our intention is to awaken students’ passion for string music and get them ready to participate in orchestral ensembles in the future,” said violinist Mary Beth Woodruff, Santa Barbara Strings founder/artistic director.

“We are so excited to be able to offer this unique program to kids in Buellton,” said Board Member Kyle Abello. “Our organization is committed to expanding youth strings education for families of all backgrounds, and we plan to continue to build on these efforts to share the joy of music with more kids across the Santa Ynez Valley.”
 
Any Buellton families with interested children should visit www.santabarbarastrings.org and click on “Student Ensembles” to register before the Dec. 12 deadline. Space is limited to 15 students.

Direct any questions about the program to Kyle Abello, 805-350-8921, or e-mail Santa Barbara Strings at sbstrings@gmail.com. 
 
Santa Barbara Strings is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive training for musicians from ages 4-19 in three progressive levels of string orchestras and chamber ensembles.

Founded in 2009 by Woodruff, the organization is focused on classical musical education for the string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass, and piano) that make up the core of the symphony orchestra.

To learn more, or to support youth strings education in Santa Barbara County, visit www.santabarbarastrings.org