Young musicians head to D.C.

New Haven (WTNH) - Students from the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven are going to Washington headed for the White House.

"It's just a really interesting way to express yourself and to sort of communicate with other people," said Choate Senior Kerry Takahashi.

They're young but talented.

"I think it's just a good way to express feelings and also to relax in my academic work," said Kwame Asiedu, an Amity 8th grader.

Now that passion is opening doors...and big ones at that. Students at the music school have been selected to attend the White House Community Classroom Music Series.

It's a program designed to celebrate the arts and encourage young people to continue their arts education; it is hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.

"It's actually pretty cool that I get to go Washington, visit the White House, and everything, and see it," said junior Orphee Russell.

Only 120 students from around the country were chosen, 18 from Connecticut; the best and brightest in their class. They'll get to learn from the giants in their field.

"We'll have Joshua Bell, one of the world's renowned classical violinists there along with Awadagin Pratt on piano and Shaon Isbin on guitar," said Neighborhood Executive Director Larry Zukof.

The hope is it will strike a chord, turn their interest in these instruments into a lifelong pursuit of their passions.

"I think it's just a different way to channel my abilities and energies like I do a lot of academic work but it makes a big difference to be able to do something different," said Annie Hayner a senior.

After a quick group photo and a few departing remarks, it was onto the bus and off they go -- the trip of a lifetime.

"It just makes things interesting, you know, like without music, I don't really know how people could enjoy life," said Asiedu.

Students from across the New Haven area and the shoreline were chosen to go; the one-day workshop at the White House will take place on Wednesday.