It was the first full week of the new year, so it was fitting that I attended an event unveiling a new program for the community.

On Tuesday, I attended a kickoff event introducing a new program to the Durham area called KidZNotes. Inspired by a publicly funded education music program in Venezuela called El Sistema, KidZNotes plans to officially launch programs in east Durham in the fall. The event was held at the Cedars Retirement Community's Clubhouse in Chapel Hill.

KidZNotes is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to positively impact the lives of low-income youths through classical music. The gathering Tuesday evening was designed to introduce the community to the concept and foster involvement. Individuals from Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill comprised members of the audience. At the top of the program, we heard a musical selection played by Kathryn Wyatt, an Abreu Fellow and future staff member for the KidZNotes program.

Following Wyatt, we heard words of welcome from Kathie Morrison, the chair of the board of directors. Morrison acknowledged the other board of directors and the board of advisers.

Then Wyatt returned to the microphone to talk about her experiences at the New England Conservatory of music in Boston as an Abreu Fellow and how that work will prepare her in her new position as executive director of the KidZNotes program. Named for Jose Abreu, the founder of the El Sistema program, the Abreu Fellows are gifted musicians from around the world. Only 10 musicians internationally were selected as a part of this program.

Next, we watched some excerpts from a documentary about the El Sistema program in Venezuela. In the clips, students shared how the music and the program had changed their lives. More than just a traditional after-school program, students who are a part of El Sistema often practice as much as four hours a day, five to six days per week. Also, the program targets children from low-income areas.

Following the film, we heard additional remarks from Wyatt who then accepted questions from the audience. Wyatt explained some of the current goals of the organization. At the end of the program, there was a small reception during which, individuals could ask additional questions.

Pat Beyle of Chapel Hill was one of the volunteers at the event. Having worked as a music teacher for more than 40 years, the supporting the organization was a natural fit. Beyle found about the event from one of the board members.

Likewise, Lisa Price of Chapel Hill learned about the program the same way as Beyle. Price also saw a segment about the KidZNotes on a television show and is a big music lover.

KidZNotes was established about eight months ago and is seeking donated instruments. For information about KidZNotes, volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved, please visit, www.kidznotes.org.

MLK Jr. Day celebrations set

Next weekend marks the celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Throughout the week and across the area, there will be numerous programs and events in honor of this special day.

The programs actually kick off today at 4 p.m. At North Carolina Central University, there will an MLK Gospel Explosion at B.N. Duke Auditorium. Some of the choirs include Heritage of Praise Youth Choir and the Sensational Harmonizers.

At Duke University, filmmaker Orlando Bagwell will speak about a works he co-produced, "Eyes on the Prize" and "Citizen King," at Richard White Lecture Hall. The program will take place on Friday at 6 p.m.

One of Durham's major events will be the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade which takes place Saturday, beginning on Fayetteville Street and continuing past N.C. Central University.

Following the parade, the Hayti Heritage Center will have its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Raise-A Reader Book Fair. This event is designed to help promote literacy for the youth. Among the authors featured will be young authors Miles Rabun and William Rabun sharing excerpts from their book, "My Grandma's Backyard."

Later in the afternoon, actor Mike Wiley will present his one-man show, "Brown vs. the Board of Education." In the dance studio, there will be a bridge workshop presented by Mama and Baba Shabu. All the Hayti Heritage Center events are free and open to the public.

On Jan. 17, civil rights leader Vernon Jordan will deliver the sermon at Watts Street Baptist Church. Jordan was an adviser to former President Bill Clinton.

And, on the King Holiday, which is Jan. 18, the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast will take place at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Research Triangle Park. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Angela Ray is an actress, author and motivational speaker. For comments or tips on future events, e-mail her at Angela@mahoganydime.com.