The faces were serious but the happy music bounced around the room like soap bubbles on the loose.

Although Tuesday was the first day back in class for the intermediate students in the Troy-Pike Youth Orchestra, director Wendy (Yoon Jee) Cho knew that her students had not been idle during summer vacation.

“They are back and ready to learn more,” Cho said. “It is a very good group, these intermediate students.”

The youngest student is a second grader and the oldest is in the eighth grade but they are all playing at the same level. Coming behind them is the beginner group and, together, they are the Troy-Pike Youth Orchestra.

The orchestra was organized a year ago, to give young people and opportunity to learn to play string instruments – the violin, cello, viola and bass – and a platform on which to perform.

“Right now we are growing strings,” Cho said with a smile. “And, as we grow, we will add woodwinds and brass to our orchestra but, for now, we are a string orchestra.”

The classes are open to new students and Cho said it is not necessary to have any musical training to enroll in the beginner class. One only has to have the desire to play and the willingness to learn.

“And, an instrument,” Cho said with a smile.

Those who are interested in joining the youth orchestra are invited to come by the Annex next to the Johnson Center for the Arts between the hours of 3:30 and 7 p.m. on Tuesdays to see which instrument would be best for them.

“The cello is the probably the easiest for beginners and the viola is the most difficult to play,” Cho said. “But strings are basically the same. The technique is different.”

Those who have some training or experience with string instruments might want to enroll in the intermediate class.

“Both classes are open and we will welcome new members of the orchestra,” Cho said.

The intermediate class meets from 3:30 until 5 p.m. and the beginners’ class meets from 5:30 until 7 p.m., both on Tuesdays.

Class fees are $48 a month. For more information, call the Johnson Center for the Arts at 670-2287.