Learning how to play a stringed instrument beginning in kindergarten has its advantages, fifth- through eighth-grade students at Lowell Whiteman Primary School demonstrated Monday in their first concert of a winter concert series.

The 23 students played holiday and traditional pieces to a Routt County Council on Aging crowd of about the same size under the direction of their conductor, Mary Anne Fairlie. From “Frosty the Snowman” to “O Christmas Tree,” the students played a variety of styles as the crowd of seniors called for more.

Sixth-grader Willy Gunn’s solo, the fiddle piece “Country Dance,” brought a standing ovation from two of the seniors. Willy has been playing the violin since 2003 and said he plans to audition for solo pieces for the orchestra’s major holiday concert Jan. 28.

After Monday’s concert, Willy said he enjoyed the fast-paced Irish fiddle piece “Tam Lin” the best.

With the prospect of future concerts, beginning today, Willy said he was not afraid of the crowds or performances. He has more than 20 concerts to his name already.

Fifth-grade violinist Noah Zedeck agreed that “Tam Lin” was a favorite piece to play, but he said he’s also looking forward to some new songs the group has been practicing for future shows, including the theme song for “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

“I try to do a variety of songs,” Fairlie said.

The orchestra will hold three other concerts this season, beginning with a noon concert today at the Doak Walker Care Center. The whole school will perform at 11:15 a.m. Friday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The school then will host its major concert of the year at 5 p.m. Jan. 28 at St. Paul’s with a variety of solo and group work.