STRINGS FOR GENERATIONS Tunes Up for A New Season

Music expresses what words sometimes cannot, which can be particularly meaningful for families. For those who participate in "Strings for Generations," a multi-generational string orchestra for families, it is the strings of a violin that ties them together.

Thanks to a partnership developed in 2015 between Pacific Symphony and South Coast Chinese Cultural Association/Irvine Chinese School, this unique program provides opportunities for families to play and learn about music together. Targeted toward string players in grades 4-9, the program requires that students have an adult family member who plays with them, as they enjoy high-quality instrumental music instruction in a non-competitive environment and learn about music from Western and Chinese cultures.

" 'Strings for Generations' embraces parents and older family members, inviting them to make music alongside their children," says Alison Levinson, the Symphony's director of arts engagement. "Parents are oftentimes the chauffeurs, driving their kids between activities, but this program allows them to actively and meaningfully participate in the experience. They're able to connect over music and better understand what being a musician is all about. It's this spirit of lifelong music-making that the Symphony embraces and makes the program special. There is truly no other like it."

Two "Strings for Generations" sessions take place on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:15 p.m.; Session One, which began in late November, ends on March 4, 2018; Session Two begins March 5, 2018, concluding on May 21, 2018. For more information, contact Levinson at alevinson@pacificsymphony.org or (714) 876-2312. This program is made possible through The James Irvine Foundation's New California Arts Fund.