Rhiannon Bogardus, 16, has been playing the violin since she was 3 years old.

"It's a really beautiful instrument," said Rhiannon.

Together with her brother George, who also plays, the pair can often be found practicing at the Lost Recording Studio in Jamestown, home of the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony, a non-profit group that entered the music scene in 1986.

Both Rhiannon and her brother are long-time members.

"It's a lot of fun. And I get challenged basically and I'll get to grow here," said Rhiannon.

Nina Karbacka founded the symphony, which is open to all students who play a stringed instrument, wind, woodwind, brass and percussion.

The long-retired educator also gives lessons in her home to dozens of students including Rhiannon and George.

"I love to see children grow with music. We make beautiful music. And enjoy and explore all different types of music, experience playing together with kids who are equally as interested in music as they are," said Karbacka, who also serves as the board president of the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony.

To perhaps generate more interest, the board of directors recently decided to assume additional responsibilities and no longer charge tuition, depending on community donations and local foundations. 

"We have to move with our community and our community is not a wealthy one. We have wonderfully talented, delightful children that want to learn and experience, but sometimes their parents just can't afford in this day and age to get them into gymnastic and dance and sports and music and all the things kids want to do that make them a wonderfully rounded student," said Karbacka.

The move saves families about $350 a year, tuition the Bogardus family had been paying, times two, for years.

"We thought it was important, also it's difficult. There were times we kind of considered we might not be able to do it anymore," said George Bogardus.

Now, not having that expense is music to his ears.

"Wow, I can't even begin to tell ya. It's so exciting to know I don't now have to worry about where we're going to come up with that to make sure they continue doing this. Everything's expensive. So that helps tremendously not to have to try to pinch here, pinch there to try to make it happen," said George.

It also encourages other students who want to try their hand at joining the symphony.

"Creating together for our community. You really get a lot of opportunity to like expand your talent and learn new things here," said Rhiannon.

The symphony is under the direction of Bryan Eckenrode.

CRYS also wants to express thanks to the Chautauqua Regional Community Foundation for funding authentic Baroque bows to use when rehearsing and performing Baroque period music. Nina says it's an experience that is unique to the orchestra and not offered in public school programs.

The symphony's spring season opens on Jan. 14.

Not only will musicians in Jamestown get a financial break, experts say kids who play musical instruments enhance hand-eye coordination, learn patience and accelerate their brain development.

There's also no fee to register.