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
ADULT
Adult
Orchestra
Do you play a string instrument? Did you play when you were a kid in school but did not continue and decades have past?
Or maybe you always wanted to play a string instrument and for whatever reasons you didn't. Well, look no further, the Unity in Strings Adult String Orchestra is for you!
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.
-
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
Tier 3
Unity in Strings Youth
String Chamber Orchestra
Set to launch in the 2025-2026 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.
Adult String Orchestra
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Have you always wanted to play a string instrument? Maybe you played years ago in school but life got in the way, or perhaps you have never played at all and are ready to finally begin. The Unity in Strings Adult String Orchestra is designed just for you.
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Starting this October, we are building a beginning-level orchestra from scratch. It will be a fun, supportive space where adults ages 18 and up can learn together, make music, and rediscover the joy of playing.
Whether you are picking up your childhood instrument again or trying a string instrument for the very first time, this is your chance to join a welcoming community and make music part of your life.
Only 14 positions available, so sign up 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
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.