Ian and Genevieve Coe, son and daughter of Drs. Stan and Elizabeth Coe of Washington-Wilkes, auditioned and were accepted into the senior ensemble of the Augusta Suzuki Strings orchestra.

Suzuki Strings has approximately 150 student members ranging from ages three to 17. In addition to private lessons with a Suzuki teacher, each member attends group orchestra twice a month where pieces to be played at public events are practiced.

Over the years, the orchestra has been invited to play with the Augusta Symphony, at Disney World, churches, the mall, nursing homes, and other occasions over the holiday seasons.

Senior ensemble members are invited to play at weddings and other events. The philosophy behind the Suzuki method is that “any child can learn to play an instrument.” The methods used allow Suzuki trained students from any place in the world to play together at any level of experience.

Workshops held worldwide bring a diverse group of students together to share a love for learning music. Suzuki Strings of Augusta was started more than 20 years ago. One of the original founders, Lois Akins, continues to lead the association.

The Wilkes-Lincoln county area has six students currently learning the Suzuki string method. Ian is studying viola with Lois Akins and Genevieve is studying cello with Gwen Elsey.