More than 500 Lake Washington School District orchestra students from elementary to high school age took part in the district’s I “Heart” Strings event, packing the Redmond Middle School gymnasium on Jan. 28.

Many of the students attend Kirkland schools within the district.

For the youngest students, it was their first taste of playing for an audience.

The program brings together all age ranges and skill levels from first year musicians to seasoned seniors ready to play in college.