Brazos Valley Youth String Chamber Orchestra is now Unity in Strings!
Our Programs
Cultivating A Musical Community
Overview
At Unity in Strings, we believe that high-quality string music education can be a powerful force for transformation—especially for young people from underserved, low-income, and marginalized communities. Music builds confidence, boosts academic performance, nurtures self-worth, and supports mental well-being. Yet too many students lack access due to financial and systemic barriers. We bridge this gap by empowering parents and guardians to take an active role in their child’s musical journey and by investing in the music educators who make that journey possible. Through inclusive programs, family learning opportunities, and fair compensation for teachers, we create an environment where educators are supported, students can thrive, and families grow stronger together—all in service of building a stronger, more connected musical community in the Brazos Valley and beyond. At Unity in Strings, music is more than a lesson
Tier 1
Parent and Child String Orchestra
Parent & Child String Orchestra
The Parent and Child String Orchestra is where the journey begins—a unique program designed to teach, guide, and support underrepresented and economically disadvantaged youth* by providing full scholarships to all participants. This orchestra is comprised of 10 guardian-and-child pairs who commit to a year-long journey that includes:
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Learning a string instrument together: Strengthen family bonds while building lasting memories through shared musical experiences.
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Engaging in weekly private lessons: Families will also gather on Saturday mornings for a one-and-a-half-hour group orchestra rehearsal.
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Practicing together at home: Foster a deeper connection and reinforce the skills learned in lessons.
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Participating in multiple concerts each semester: Showcase progress and celebrate achievements as a community.
This program goes beyond music; it’s about:
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Building confidence and fostering accountability.
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Connecting with others in a safe, supportive environment.
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Encouraging parent/guardian child connection through the power of music.
Join us in this transformative experience to inspire growth, connection, and a lifelong love of music.
* (not exclusive to)
Family Orchestra
The Family Orchestra, directed by maestros Joe Daigle and Khrystyne Hastings, is the next step in the Unity in Strings journey, welcoming graduates of the Parent and Child program, aunts and uncles, and new members from the public who have 1-2 years of instrumental experience. This orchestra is comprised of 26 string players who commit to a year-long journey that includes:
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Learning a string instrument together: Strengthen family bonds while building lasting memories through shared musical experiences.
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Engaging in weekly group lessons: Families will also gather on Sunday late afternoons for a one-and-a-half-hour orchestra rehearsal.
-
Practicing together at home: Foster a deeper connection and reinforce the skills learned in lessons.
-
Participating in multiple concerts each semester: Showcase progress and celebrate achievements as a community.
This program goes beyond music; it’s about:
-
Building confidence and fostering accountability.
-
Connecting with others in a safe, supportive environment.
-
Encouraging family connection through the power of music.
Join us in this transformative experience to inspire growth, connection, and a lifelong love of music.
Tier 2
Family Orchestra
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Tier 3
Unity in Strings Youth
String Chamber Orchestra
Set to launch in the 2026-2027 academic year, the Youth String Chamber Orchestra is our premier program, designed for young musicians who have outgrown the Family Orchestra and are ready to advance to the next level.
This ensemble will provide a challenging and enriching environment where youth can refine their skills, perform at a higher level, and explore the full potential of their musical abilities. We are excited to build this program and look forward to welcoming talented young musicians from across the Brazos Valley.
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Adult String Orchestra
The Unity in Strings Adult String Orchestra is a welcoming ensemble for adults who already have a foundation on violin, viola, cello, or bass and are ready to continue developing their skills through ensemble playing.
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Designed for advanced beginner to intermediate players, participants will typically have approximately 2–3 years of playing experience or comparable skills. Members should be comfortable with basic music reading, common rhythms, and fundamental techniques on their instrument.
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This orchestra does not begin instruction from scratch. Instead, it provides a supportive environment where developing adult musicians can strengthen their playing, build confidence, learn ensemble skills, and enjoy making music with others.
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Haven't played in many years? That's okay! Returning players are welcome, and we encourage you to contact us if you are unsure whether the Adult String Orchestra is the right level for you.
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For older adults who are completely new to a string instrument, our Silver Strings Orchestra offers the opportunity to begin from the very beginning in a supportive group setting. Coming Soon!
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For experienced players, please visit Brazos Civic Orchestra
Tier 4
Adult Orchestra
Saturdays, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Tier 5
Silver String Orchestra
Mondays, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
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Silver String Orchestra
It’s never too late to make music!
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Unity in Strings is excited to introduce the Silver Strings Orchestra, a beginning string orchestra for older adults 50+, hosted at Arbor Oaks at Crestview in Bryan. The orchestra is open to residents of Arbor Oaks as well as seniors throughout the Brazos Valley community.
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No previous musical experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn, make music, and enjoy the experience of playing alongside others. Participants will learn the fundamentals of playing a string instrument while building confidence, friendships, and the joy that comes from making music together.
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Mondays | 6:00–7:30 PM
Arbor Oaks at Crestview | Bryan, Texas
Beginning September 28, 2026
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We are currently welcoming 25 participants to become the founding members of the Silver Strings Orchestra. Whether you have always dreamed of playing a string instrument, played years ago and would like to begin again, or are simply ready to try something new, there is a place for you in the orchestra.
Come make music with us!
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For experienced players, please visit Brazos Civic Orchestra
Visiting Artists and Community Support
Unity in Strings is proud to collaborate with esteemed visiting artists who bring their expertise, passion, and performance excellence to our community. These artists will not only perform but also engage with our participants through seminars and workshops, offering invaluable insights and inspiration. Our program is further strengthened by partnerships with local organizations such as String and Horn Shop, which provides instruments and music at discounted rates, and First Methodist Church, which graciously supplies our rehearsal and performance spaces.
We are also supported by the Brazos Civic Orchestra and the Marian Anderson String Quartet, who play a vital role in teaching and mentoring our participants. Through these collaborations, we aim to create a program that is as vibrant and dynamic as the community we serve.
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We are committed to making our programs accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. We offer financial assistance on a case-by-case basis to ensure that cost is never a barrier to participation.