By Jennifer Theurer

The Community Chamber Orchestra presents a Christmas Strings 4 Kids concert at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 22 in the Clay Center Carnegie Library basement.

Children ages 5 and up, who are accompanied by an adult, can listen as local musicians play Christmas songs on violins, violas, cellos, and string basses, before getting a chance to explore and briefly play child-sized versions of the instruments they just heard.

“We want to give children this chance to have close contact with the string family especially,” Orchestra Director Anne Clark said. “Our whole region here has lost its orchestra programs in the public schools.”

Up to 15 local musicians will be performing at the event, depending on weather conditions and illnesses. The Strings 4 Kids events have been happening for the last 4 years, while the Community Chamber Orchestra itself has been playing since 1997.

“There have been hundreds and hundreds of musicians that have had some experience going through this little orchestra,” Clark said. “And gotten the unusual opportunity, not just of playing with a group but also being able to be self-lead, which really builds up independence and leadership skills for all ages that are in it.”

 There are no tryouts to join the Orchestra, and they practice at the Morganville Community Room every Friday night. Clark said the group includes all age groups and skill levels.

“I put everyone in there that would like to participate,” she said. “There is no requirement except you cannot be an absolute beginner.”