At just 12 years old, Sage McBride seems to possess an emotion and passion well beyond his years when he plays his beloved violin. Within minutes of taking the stage, he quickly captivates all who have come to hear him play.

``When I get up there, I am a little nervous at first, but when I start playing it just all goes away,'' said the Davie preteen.

The crowds that come to hear him play feel the same way. Hundreds of seniors recently sat riveted for nearly an hour at the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center in Pembroke Pines when Sage came to play.

FIVE PIECES

``It is just beautiful. I can't believe he is only 12 years old,'' said Marta Lopez, listening to Sage's performance of five pieces, including all three movements of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 2.

Sage began playing the violin at age 4, but had an affinity for the instrument long before then, said his mother, Michele.

While she practiced the violin after her own lessons, her young son, who could barely talk or walk, would beg her to continue playing. His lessons began a few years later, and his talent quickly became apparent.

``He is completely dedicated,'' his mother said.

Sage began sixth grade at Indian Ridge Middle School in Davie but is now enrolled in an online program so he has more time to practice his music. He rehearses at least two hours a day, and even takes his violin with him on family vacations.

Sage performs with the Florida Youth Orchestra and the Miami String Project, which accepted him at the age of 11, a year younger than its required minimum age.

It was with the Florida Youth Orchestra that he had the chance to perform for former President George W. Bush with a 400-member Youth Orchestra at the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown Concert in Virginia.

``I have never in my life, and I am a music lover from the time I was born, heard anyone play the violin as well as this child does,'' said Roberta Nazimovitz, president of the senior center's Site Advisory Council, who brought him to the center and introduced him to the audience.

A HIT AT CENTER

Performances by youngsters are a particular hit at the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center, and throughout the year organizers invite groups from local schools and other organizations.

``Children performing makes a world of difference to seniors,'' activities director Suzy Felix said. ``They love them. It makes them feel younger again.''

Within minutes of watching him play, audiences of any age can see how Sage is swept away by the music.

``I love the emotion that it gives me and the happiness,'' he said. ``It just makes me feel so good.''

To watch Sage on YouTube, visit http://tinyurl.com/l2qzm4

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