The Snoqualmie Valley Junior Orchestra announces open enrollment now through Oct. 15 for participation in the 2004-5 school year. Entering its fourth year of serving the Valley with quality orchestral instruction, the Snoqualmie Valley Junior Orchestra is promoted through the Friends of Youth (formerly the HUB) in cooperation with the Snoqualmie Valley School District.

The program is open to grades 2 through 12 and teaches at three levels; beginner, intermediate and advanced. Students receive two hours a week of instruction on their choice of violin, viola, cello or bass. Beyond learning to play their chosen instrument, students will also be instructed in music theory, appreciation and performance skills by director Greg Savage, principal violist for the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra. Classes take place after school hours at North Bend Elementary School.

Because the program is outside the district’s curriculum, parents are required to pay a monthly tuition and provide their own instrument. As tuition provides for operational costs, enrollment numbers can decrease tuition costs. Last year tuition was $60 per month with a violin costing approximately $23 to rent. In addition, there are scholarships available to assist with student tuition.

* Information on the program will be sent home with students soon after the start of school or can be obtained by contacting Kristen Feuerstein at (425) 396-7389.