Honk, Squeak, Scratch, Boom - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) -- Rochester might have some mini-maestros in their midst after local students received instrument lessons at the Mayo Civic Center Saturday.

The Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale invited 4th through 6th graders to their annual "Honk, Squeak, Scratch Boom" educational program.

Teachers from local schools volunteered to instruct students on a variety of instruments from wind, to percussion, to brass.

The event offers students an opportunity to try their hands at different instruments before attending middle school.

Charles Cooper says, "It was easy blowing into the mouthpiece. It was hard putting my hand in the correct order of the keys. I just forgot which order to press down on."

Sophie Geske says, "The drums are way louder than the viola and the viola, you have to have your chin on the chin rest. And the drums you can just use your hands."

According to the RSOC, they offer the program for free, because many schools in Minnesota have had to cut-back due to the uncertain economy.

And fine arts programs, such as band, are often the first to go.