The third entry in AnnArbor.com's free, Friday lunchtime concert series is taking a classical bent.

This week is the first of several appearances in the series from performers with the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts.

The AASPA Orchestra Resident String Quartet features Lauren Pulcipher, violin; Caley McMillan, violin; Julia Markey, viola; and Bryan LaPointe, cello. They have been playing together just under a year, but all have extensive experience: Pulcipher, 13 years; McMillan, eight years; Markey, seven years on viola after six on violin; and LaPointe, seven years.

The quartet — which will play without amplification — will perform pieces from Bach's Brandenburg Concertos and Mozart, along with a few more contemporary tango selections. Asked how they choose the program for a particular concert, Markey wrote in an email, "For this type of gig, we try to choose pieces that are fun for us to work on, that would also appeal to a wide range of audience members."

These students are all recent graduates of Pioneer High School. They have worked with the youth orchestra program as both coaches and performers.

Asked how the School for the Performing Arts has contributed to their growth as musicians, the performers gave these responses:

Pulcipher: "The School for the Performing Arts has provided with so many musical opportunities. I have been a member of all of their orchestras, and during my time in them I was given many opportunities to be a leader as well as learn from musicians who were more experienced than me. Being a member of the residential string quartet was such a great experience this year because it gave me a chance to be a leader, a teacher, and to work with a great group of musicians!"

McMillan: "The school for the performing arts has helped me learn a lot about teaching and learning music. It has also helped me to understand what it means to self-organize and coordinate a professional ensemble."

Markey: "The School for Performing Arts has provided me with a place where I can enjoy making music with other dedicated musicians. Over the past 10 years I have been a part of all of their Youth String Orchestras as well as their Jazz Combo program and this past year had the wonderful opportunity to work as a member of their residential string quartet. I have learned so much from all of these experiences and have had a great deal of fun along the way!"

LaPointe: "The School for the Performing Arts gave me the opportunity to work with younger musicians and to teach them some of the things I know/cherish about music. I learned that music is truly a huge aspect in many people's lives, and it brings together everyone (regardless of their age). "

The Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts is a community-based music school. The school aims to nurture and inspire musicians and to make music education accessible to all in the greater Ann Arbor community. The school sponsors private studio recitals, jazz band and orchestra concerts, and master classes featuring students, faculty, and guest artists. To learn more about the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts, visit www.aa-spa.org.