I enjoyed the commentary by Lynne Agress ("Music: A necessity in life," Oct. 10), highlighting the positive benefits of music in our lives and its role in the development of young minds. Unfortunately, students in Baltimore City Schools have limited exposure to instrumental music instruction. The good news is the OrchKids program, started in 2008 by Marin Alsop, Music Director Laureate of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and supported by grants and private donations.

OrchKids began with 30 students in one school and now partners with eight schools in Baltimore City to provide instruments, high-quality after-school music instruction and performance opportunities at no cost to over 2,000 pre-K through 12th-grade students. With expanded funding, the program's goal is to add a choral music program and to expand services to more schools and more students.

Kudos to OrchKids for enriching the lives of Baltimore City students.

-- Beryl Rosenstein, Pikesville