Meet Diane Lange Jones

She is some kind of saint to thousands of parents and kids. A Burien-area musician, Diane teaches violin, cello and viola and has for over 30 years. She currently teaches 80 private lessons in her home studio every week.

Self-taught from age 8, Diane once played professionally with the Rainier Symphony Orchestra.

In 2002, she formed the Normandy Park Youth Orchestra, a string program that supports three youth orchestras of elementary through college age students. It is a non-tuition plan that provides free quality instruction at weekly rehearsals. They practice at Prince of Peace Lutheran in SeaTac. Beginners at 4:30 p.m., advanced at 5:30 p.m. and intermediate at 6:30 p.m.

Concerts are held three times yearly. You don't have to be local and no audition is necessary. Diane donates her services as director /conductor.

In 2004, she was awarded Teacher of the Year by Highline Schools Fund for Excellence for the extra time she gave students wishing to learn strings .If that is not enough, she also teaches 5th and 6th graders at Marvista Elementary. She has done that for the last 11 years.

I asked what she did for a break. She said she loves every minute helping kids.

She did admit that she and her husband do have a boat, so I would bet that while he fiddles around with charts down below she is up on the bow with a cello.

He is a former tugboat captain and they both love salmon fishing. He is also a pro welder and makes music with a torch.

They have a cat and a dog, neither of which play violin, but the cat loves to ride the dog's back.

They have two children and both live in Federal Way and their grandchildren, no surprise, both play stringed instruments.

The oldest, Emily, plays in the youngest group and the other plays cello with Diane.

Meet Barb Werle

She is such a proud Burien Mom she painted her car to let the world know that her son, Tyler Werle, has graduated from Highline High and will be attending Central Wash. in Ellensburg.

She was waiting in line at the bank.