Putting instruments in the hands of kids: Stentor.

U.K. -- BASED STENTOR MUSIC Co. Ltd. is working to support young musicians with a number of projects to let children experience string playing first hand.

Stentor has loaned instruments to the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Have a-Go sessions offered after its family concerts at the South Bank, London. Enthusiastic children, the youngest only two years old, line up after every concert to "have a go" on a Stentor violin, cello, or double bass, often for the first time. Tutors offer advice on how to hold and play the instrument and answer questions.

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Stentor also loaned violas and double basses to an outreach program organized by the National Children's Orchestra (NCO). More than 600 children in the Northeast of England were offered the chance to play an instrument for the first time, under the guidance of experienced tutors, discovering the sound of these instruments and broadening their musical knowledge. As a result of this successful project, young players were selected to attend a five-day residential course aimed at recruiting new players to the NCO.

NAMM Booth 4219