On the weekend of Feb. 27-29, 14 dedicated young musicians, aged 6 to 17, gathered at West Homer Elementary School for a workshop conducted by the Homer Youth String Orchestra Club (HYSOC). The popular instructor, Dr. Gail Johansen, director of Fairbanks Suzuki Institute, presented Master classes and clinics at all levels for the students.

This splendid opportunity to advance their skills was generously supported by the Homer Foundation through its Willow Fund, a donor-advised fund, and the Music Education Fund in Memory of Renda Horn, a field of interest fund.

HYSOC members and their parents and supporters wish to acknowledge and to thank Homer Foundation and its administered funds for this support.

In Homer, orchestra is not currently available through the public school system, so students who wish to learn the stringed instruments must find alternate means to pursue that interest. HYSOC, with the help of generous donors like The Homer Foundation, offers these students the opportunity to experience the thrill of performing orchestral music together.

The next performance of this talented group will be on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer. Admission is free and all are invited to hear some truly splendid music.

Linda Reinhart, secretary

Homer Youth String Orchestra Club