Volunteering her musical talents to college plays, the Somerset Theater and the Austin Youth Symphony is a natural for Natalie Kestner.

Her mother, Mary Jane, has been involved with the Austin Adult Symphony for several years, plus she plays guitar. Kestner has been involved with the Adult Symphony for the last four years. This family of five boys and two girls are all musically talented.

"I took piano lessons from age six to 14. I quit piano to take

voice lessons. I have been a student of Sonia Larson's the last five years," said Kestner.

For the past three months, Kestner has worked with Larson, the founder of the Austin Youth Symphony and Jan Gilbertson, the accompanist on the piano with helping the children prepare for the annual Christmas concert.

"There are three groups first and second soprano and altos. We divided the kids up and we took turns instructing them with different musical selections," said Kestner.

There are 42 children in the Austin Youth Symphony. All the children must audition to be part of this group. Kestner's brother, John sang with the group and now her 10-year-old brother, James, sings with the group.

"I like giving my time to the community. There are a lot of talented people in Austin and I have had great teachers through the college. My boyfriend gave me a hard time because I volunteered so much at one time that I didn't have time to get a job," said Kestner.

Kestner is a graduate from Riverland Community College and she is unsure of what her future plans will be, but she is sure they will include music.