Imagine 3,200 fifth-graders in the same place at the same time with musical instruments. It happened Wednesday at the Holland Center where the Omaha Symphony and area school children joined forces to make beautiful music together.

Fifth-graders Mikyla Ratcliff and Abby Helmlacheck geared up for a big performance. "It's kind of scary because I've never done this before,” said Mikyla. “I'm a little nervous."

By their side were their mentors from the symphony. "I think the kids really gain a lot by being around the symphony musicians and knowing what it takes to play together and work together as a team,” said the symphony’s Craig Fuller.

These young players formed part of a larger team. "You are one of the musicians for this concert." Everyone at this performance played a part. Elementary students were armed with recorders.

Omaha Symphony conductor Jennifer Boomgaarden was approached with the idea several years ago.

"And it seemed very interesting and then they said the students play recorders with the orchestra and I went no, no, no, no and as you can see it's an absolutely stunning experience. They're so well prepared by their teachers for this day that it's not a risk. We know it’s going to turn out to be a wonderful day."

Many of the students got a chance to perform on stage. Lead violinist Amy Sims saw a lot of potential in these students. "I certainly see twinkles in the eyes and a lot of curiosity. It doesn't take much, I think, to light a fire in some kids."

For the first time, 500 stringed instruments joined in. Remington Barber-Holmes was one of them. "I've never been to a symphony concert before and this is my first experience to get to play with them.”

It may not be Remington's last chance. The 10-year-old plays five instruments, proving the love of music is contagious.

"They will go home inspired and energized after what they did and we'll see them again."

This was the first time stringed instruments were a part of the ensemble. The Omaha Symphony does several of these programs annually, 300 musical visits to schools already. It will do a similar performance in Norfolk on April 28th.