Ballard resident Richard Langford, 65 years old and Claire Lust, 15 years old may be worlds apart in age, but they share a love of music and perform together with the Pontiac Bay Symphony Orchestra.

Langford used to play professionally in Los Angeles, left the business for years and now teaches violin at the Music Center of the Northwest.

Lust is a sophomore at Ballard High School and has been playing the violin for six years. She is a member of the school orchestra.

The Pontiac Bay Symphony Orchestra combines the talents of professional musicians, members from other orchestras, teachers and college students who perform with young musicians ages 12 through 18.

The orchestra was formed in 2002 by award winning composer Sheila Espinoza. In 2003, she was presented with a Citizen of the Year award by the King County Municipal League for founding the Pontiac Bay Orchestra.

Many of these young musicians are considering careers in the field. Eight-percent of the members are young people, with 20 percent adults that play in the group and serve as mentors.

Langford heard about the Pontiac Bay Symphony Orchestra from one of the adult members and joined three years ago.

"By golly has it been fun. At my age, you feel the importance of passing it (knowledge of music) on. It's been a lot of fun, I've learned a lot from the kids," said Langford.

The orchestra plays the music from movies, stage and cabaret productions rather than the more traditional classical compositions.

"It's nice to play different music other than classical. It's more challenging and you learn to keep up with the group," said Lust. She is not sure about a career in music, but says the orchestra makes her a stronger high school player at Ballard High.

Each concert is lead by a guest conductor.

Guest conductors like Hummie Mann, Teresa Metzger Howe and Lauren Anderson are scheduled to work with the orchestra and do concerts.

Mann has become a regular with the group, conducting a concert each year.

"I'm really excited about conducting this orchestra. It's a great idea...I believe film music is the contemporary orchestral music that people are attached to. These kids area doing a pretty spectacular job," said Mann, a Hollywood film composer and two-time Emmy Award winner.

Mann is conducting a concert on December 9 with the orchestra. The concert is a tribute to Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.

Adult participants are chosen for the commitment to mentoring the young musicians, while rehearsing and performing with them. The program is free to both the adults and youth. Auditions are held year round.

A Summer Music Camp features a full orchestra for players to work on their performance skills, technique and sight-reading.

Langford said the symphony is looking for kids who want to make music their lifetime avocation.

"I'm so glad we have a group like this in town. We could use more mentors. Come to our concerts and have a ball," said Langford.