The city of Buellton has awarded a grant to Santa Barbara Strings to provide a 16-week introductory strings course free of charge to Buellton youth aged 5 to 14.

The grant (valued at 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 Afterschool Early Strings Training Program will run January through May, concluding with a free community performance.

“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 Santa Barbara Strings 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,” Abello said.
 
Any Buellton families with children interested in learning to play a string instrument can visit www.santabarbarastrings.org and click on “Student Ensembles” to register before the Dec. 6 deadline. Space is limited to 15 students.

Direct questions about the program to 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 ages 4-19 in three progressive levels of string orchestras and chamber ensembles.

Founded in 2009 by Woodruff, Santa Barbara Strings 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 string education in Santa Barbara County, visit www.santabarbarastrings.org.