LEWISTON – More than 600 area middle school students are expected to attend “Playing with Music,” free youth concerts on Friday, Sept. 26, offered by the Maine Music Society each fall as a comprehensive introduction to classical music.

The concerts will be performed by the Maine Chamber Ensemble and conducted by Maine Music Society’s Artistic Director Peter Frewen.

In preparation for the concerts, participating teachers are provided with study guides and CDs of the music to be performed. The program will offer cross-subject information, including the history of the composers, the math of beats and measures, the science of instruments and the language of music.

The youth concerts will be a sample of the first concert of Maine Music Society’s 13th performance season with music by Mozart and Handel.

This year students from Minot Consolidated, Sugg Middle, Lewiston Middle, Montello Elementary, McMahon Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Martel Elementary, Farwell Elementary, Bruce Whittier Middle, Sherwood Heights Elementary, Greene Central and Auburn Middle schools will attend one of two concerts at Olin Arts Center, Bates College.