BAY MINETTE — A newly formed stringed ensemble is making its Bay Minette debut next week, as Baldwin Strings will hold a free concert on at 7 p.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church of Bay Minette,  211 McMillian Ave.

According to Baldwin Strings founder and conductor Scott Wright, the group consists of two violin sections, a viola section and cello section that is made up of 15-25 volunteer musicians.

The group that started practicing about two months ago intends to perform free concerts in the community, with Monday’s concert at First Presbyterian Church being part of that vision.

“A lot of time goes into learning to play a stringed instrument, and the instrument usually gets put into a case, and maybe dusted off for a niece's wedding,” Wright said in an interview. “This way we can enjoy making music.”

The group will play a variety of classical selections and standards, from Handel and Wagner to “Danny Boy.”

Viola player Dorothy Parker said that a stringed orchestra is “unique and beautiful.”

“It has a softer sound because it doesn’t have the horns and flutes and oboe,” she explained in a telephone interview.

She went on to explain that Baldwin Strings is made up of a diverse group with former Bay Area Strings Community Orchestra members and University of Mobile students.

“We have a variety of ages, so all are welcome,” she said.

To volunteer as a musician or to book a free concert, call Leroy Hughes at (251) 979-6834, or Wright at (251) 432-6772.

Click below for a link to the Baldwin Strings Orchestra website.