CONCERTO FOR THE PRESIDENT

When Ariella Nounnan-Holton accompanied her mother to a fundraising event for President Bush in Reno last year, she wanted to take her cherished violin with her.

And though security agents initially gave her a hard time, the 11-year-old Las Vegan succeeded in having her picture taken with the president, musical instrument in hand.

Ariella, an accomplished violinist, wasn't able to play for Bush that day because the Secret Service said her violin bow could be used as a weapon and didn't allow it.

But the meeting led to a prized invitation for Ariella to entertain at White House holiday celebrations this weekend.

Ariella is set to play on Sunday. She is among 66 musicians and chorus groups who are performing this month during White House open houses and parties.

Nevada also will be represented by two other performers. Helen Joy's Young Entertainers, of Las Vegas, will sing Saturday, marking at least their second White House gig. David Osborne, a pianist who plays at the Bellagio and who has performed for every president since Jimmy Carter, is scheduled for Dec. 19.

For Ariella, the trip will be her first to Washington, D.C.

"I'm looking forward to everything," she said. "And I really want to see the president."

Ariella's mother, Suzanne Nounnan, said her daughter has been playing the violin since she was 4 years old.

"Her dad and I were taking her to Lorenzi Park when she asked, 'Mom, would you get me a violin?'" Nounnan said. The family rented one.

"She played that violin the whole way to the park, and she stood in the car door still playing, so we went home, and at midnight I was still lying awake listening to her play," Nounnan said.

Ariella studies under Shakeh Ghoukasian, a director of the Nevada School of Arts, and has been playing in the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra for two years.

For the past year, she has been the second principal violinist, a prestigious placement within an orchestra.

"She just enjoys music, and good things happen to her," Suzanne Nounnan said.

"We never made it anything more than fun. It's just like a child learning to ride a bicycle."

Ariella rattled off a list of about 15 composers to prove she wouldn't be nervous about playing before powerful people.

Her favorite pieces, and the ones she is most looking forward to playing, are Bach's "Concerto for Two Violins" and "Gavotte" by J.B. Lully. Ariella is particularly fond of Gavotte.

"It is very fun," she said. "Fast, but not too fast."

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau reporter Jason C. Green at jgreen@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760