It is time to find a new reed, polish the horn and tune up the strings as Island Sinfonia chamber orchestra extends an open invitation to new and returning musicians for the first rehearsal on Saturday, Sept. 14 in the Orcas School band room.

Rehearsals are held from noon to 2:30 p.m. every Saturday. This allows musicians from San Juan, Shaw, and Lopez islands time to arrive for most of the rehearsal time. We take a break from mid-December for the holidays and resume in early January. Concerts are held in the spring on Shaw, Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas — as musicians participate from each of these islands.

All musicians are encouraged to give Sinfonia a try. We especially need violins and violas. Student musicians are encouraged to join and can earn community service by participating.

The group performs a wide variety of music, ranging from classical favorites to tunes from musicals and operas. The Sinfonia is under the direction of Jim Shaffer-Bauck.

“We look forward to bringing new musicians into the Island Sinfonia family. Even if it has been a while since you played, or you’re a student just getting started, there’s a place for you here with us. We learn and grow as a musical family, sharing our love of music with our community and its visitors,” said Shaffer-Bauck.

For more information, text Karen Blinn at 360-298-2434 or email her at gblinn@rockisland.com.