The annual Rainy Lake Community Orchestra summer workshop is tuned and underway.

Students and advanced string musicians are spending the week on Rainy Lake with rehearsals, lessons and ensemble groups. They will end the week with a concert at 7 p.m. Friday in the Ranier Community Building.

“Many of our string professionals have been attending and leading the groups for well over 20 years,” said Marcia Bringedahl, one of the workshop’s organizers.

Bringedahl added that this is the 33rd year for the workshop and some families are second- or third- generation performers.

“We have formed strong friendships and bonds in our music endeavors and look forward to a continuation of this program,” she added.

This workshop is made possible through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council with money coming from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Conductors this year include Karen Madsen from Northfield. Madsen is leading the Youth Sinfonia. Scott Roberts, Joe Belanger and John Faith, all of International Falls, direct the Rainy Lake Orchestra.

Bringedahl said one of the unique things about the workshop is that musicians come from all over the states of Minnesota, New York, Virginia, as well as the communities of Fort Frances and Winnipeg. Local members include string musicians from the Rainy Lake Orchestra and Borderland Community Orchestra.

“We have several new students who are attending this year,” Bringedahl explained. “We’re happy to see that because we are trying to keep orchestra and string music strong in the community.”

She said another new part of the program this year is that it will feature two flutists and a vocal soloist; traditionally the workshop has been limited to strings. Flute soloists are Sarah Antanies of Littlefork and Harriet Katz of Minnetonka. The vocal soloist is Janet Bowman of Virginia.

“The concert audience has filled the Ranier Hall to capacity over the years, with overflow listening from the deck,” Bringedahl said. “The public is invited to this free concert, with punch and cookies following.”