FIRST PHOTO: Paia Elementary School second grader Alika Filimoeatu, 7, gets some expert help with his viola bowing technique from Maui Pops violist Stacie Saito (right) and cellist Michelle Romero during the Maui Youth Philharmonic Orchestra’s instrument “petting zoo” Saturday at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. The event gave interested youth a chance to play a variety of stringed instruments. SECOND PHOTO: Maui Youth Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director and President Iolani Yamashiro-Rahimi teaches a pizzicotto, or plucking, technique during Saturday’s instrument “petting zoo” at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. In the background are Kalama Intermediate School seventh grader Makamae Ceballos-Lagazo, 12, and recent Kamehameha Schools Maui graduate, brother Devin Ceballos-Lagazo, 18. “We just want to give them an opportunity to try strings,” Yamashiro-Rahimi said, noting that classical stringed instruments are not a regular part of school curriculums. “Everybody is gifted in some area. They won’t know unless they try.” The organization will hold more sessions at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon on Aug. 5 and Aug. 12. For more information, visit mauiyouthphilharmonic.org.