Students at Phenix Elementary School experienced the sounds of unique musical instruments Nov. 9. Carolyn Wallace, a volunteer at Phenix, arranged for the Appomattox Laptop Orchestra to perform for the student body.

Joshua Kennedy introduced the orchestra members and briefly explained the instruments to the children. Lois Eaton, Cindy Redding and Susan Book all played the Appalachian Mountain dulcimer. Kennedy had made his instrument, which was shaped like a box and was played like a drum. It also had a side with strings on it as well as piano strings.

The orchestra played four songs, including an Appalachian folk song, the national song of Scotland, the theme of the Beverly Hillbillies television show, and a song written and performed by Johnny Cash.

The students enjoyed the music and learning about the instruments. “Our school is so fortunate to have community members who care and want to expose our students to the world beyond our building,” said the school in a release.