First row (l- r): Katie Taylor, Alex McKay, and Garrett Dubose. Second Row: Annie Edwards, Carrie Wells, Morgan Walker, Grace Porter, Elise Porter, Julie Robelot, and Hillary Wells. Third Row: Matthew Luther, David Burton, Jeff Watson (conductor), David Quay, Robert Truax, Rachel Luther, Anna Hayes, Susie Robelot, Jackson Clinton, Emily Wells, Mary McElmurray (concertmistress), Gabe Clinton, and Taylor Edwards. Other members not pictured: Karin Strickland, Paul and Lily Aluri, Ruth McElmurray, Kim Truax, Brandon Baghdady, Rachel Long, and Debbie Randall. Under the guidance of Jeff Watson, over 30 homeschooled students gather to practice their music for the upcoming Homeschool Strings concert. It is moderated confusion as conductor Watson helps students find chairs, stands, music, and instruments. Soon the homeschoolers, plucking out the music of "Bells and Pizzicato" by Lloyd Conley, begin to fill the room with music as they rehearse for the upcoming fall concert.

Homeschool Strings, a program begun in 2001 by Jeff and Mary Ann Watson, was formed as a way for Columbia- area homeschoolers who play stringed instruments to get together with others as an ensemble. Describing the program's beginnings with just 12 people, Watson states, "They fit in our living room...we'd just line them up!"

Over the years, however, the program has grown. "We've had years where we have had over 80 students, and we were both in it full time, but this year I don't think we have 40. It just depends on interest." His wife's involvement varies each year though her organizational skills are always utilized.

Describing his own orchestral beginnings, Watson says, "I was 14 in the Jackson Symphony Orchestra [in Mississippi]. I sat in the back, and they didn't pay me. But that's when I knew I really loved to play in orchestras. It's one thing when you sit facing them in the audience, but when you are in the orchestra playing it's a completely different sound—it makes my hair stand on end!"

Watson has been playing the viola for 40 years and holds a master's degree in music from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Along with his wife, he plays in several area- symphonies including the South Carolina Philharmonic and the Myrtle Beach Symphony Orchestra. He has also taught music for over 20 years in the public school system, but after years of doing so, Watson says, "I was burned out." For a change, he sold real estate for four years, during which time he began instructing homeschoolers.

Morgan Walker Watson teaches both viola and violin, and his wife teaches cello and bass. "At the time, I needed a break from teaching. But we got into just having the ensemble for homeschoolers… and I realized that I really enjoyed teaching if it was on a smaller scale and a lot more personal, and I could teach the way I wanted to."

At the Friday afternoon practices held throughout the school year at Saint Andrews Evangelical Church, Watson teaches his students "how to play together, how to listen to one another, how to feed off someone else's sound, and how to listen to what they're playing, and how to make their sound match the others."

Watson hopes his students get more out of their orchestral experience than musical knowledge: "I hope they get an enjoyment of music. I hope they have fun when they play. I don't really care if they become professional musicians. That's not why I'm interested in doing it. It was what I wanted to do, but that's just me. I want it to be something they can enjoy and maybe pass on."

Emily Wells And many do pass it on. "We've been fortunate enough to actually see the interest spread through families— infect them. One of the most satisfying parts," says Watson, "is to see it in an entire family, to see them work together and play together." The participants also want to see more musicians join the fun. "There are a lot of people graduating and moving on, especially last year," shares 16- year- old Mary McElmurray, the concertmistress. "We need younger players to come so it will keep growing. So Mr. Watson can keep conducting and pass on the music!" McElmurray and her four siblings have played in the orchestra since it began, though three have now matriculated.

Katie Taylor, a 10- year- old violinist, gives other reasons for participating, "It's fun and I like the songs.

Annie Edwards and Carrie Wells "Everything about it is fun!" Grace Porter said, "Mr. Watson makes playing the violin fun even when it's sometimes hard!"

Homeschool Strings has allowed Watson to find his niche: "I have never enjoyed teaching any children more than the homeschool kids… I wish I had done this 20 years ago because this is what I really like to do." Watson looks forward to conducting the first Homeschool Strings concert of the year on Tuesday, November 18, beginning at 7 pm in Spears Music/Art Center at Columbia College. The public is welcome.

Gabe Clinton Hilary Wells