By Shelley Koppel

Entertainment writer

STUART - Nestor Torres is as passionate about education as he is about music.

The Grammy-winning jazz flutist will spend a week in Martin County schools as an artist-in-residence before his concert on Oct. 9, in which students from the week will perform.

The project is part of the Nestor Torres Initiative and is a joint venture of the Lyric Theatre and the Educational Foundation of Martin County, with a grant from the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust.

Mr. Torres, John Loesser, executive director of the Lyric Theatre and Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Educational Foundation, sat down recently at the Lyric to discuss the project, which involves visits from Mr. Torres to Warfield and Palm City elementary schools, Challenger School, Hidden Oaks Middle School, Jensen Beach High School and the Pine School.

"In partnership with the Lyric, we were in touch with the schools," Ms. Rose said. "They were chosen by a combination of what Mr. Torres wanted to accomplish and what schools were ready to take on a big project at the beginning of their year. It's a cross-section of the district and we hope the first of many such projects to come."

Mr. Torres and his percussionist, Jose Gregorio Hernandez, will work with students and teachers. The criteria for selections were left to the individual schools. A videographer will record the sessions.

"We'll be working hands-on," Mr. Torres said. "We want it to be instructional, inspiring and motivational, with performances weaved in."

The Lyric's director is excited about the program.

"Our plan is to start doing these residencies on a regular basis, to reach as many people as we can," he said. "When Nestor was here last year, I thought he'd be a perfect artist, very personable, with broad appeal to kids. He jumped at the idea."

For his part, Mr. Torres is pleased that the plan is coming to fruition.

"I'm thrilled that the Lyric and Educational Foundation have the vision to put my qualities to use," he said. "This is a musical program within a music setting, but I don't address technical issues about music. The musical setting is the context within which I share life and character. How you address musical performances will directly address how you address issues in your life.

"I do not really come with preconceived notions. I come to learn with the students. The purpose is to create space where young people can experience being empowered and be themselves," he said.

"One thing that is consistent at every school is that it is always about getting involved, about self-worth, self-respect and a strong sense of self. The process of learning is an adventure where one is not afraid to make mistakes. That's what the Nestor Torres Initiative is about."

Nestor Torres and students selected from the Nestor Torres Initiative will appear at the Lyric Theatre, 59 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart, on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35. Call (772) 286-7827 or visit www.lyrictheatre.com.