Sequim Gazette staff

A $5,000 grant from Sound Community Foundation — a nonprofit division of Sound Community Bank — helps keep live music playing in all Clallam County elementary schools through the Adventures in Music program.

The collaborative project of the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra leads music programs in Sequim, Cape Flattery, Crescent, Port Angeles and Quillayute School districts and local private and home-school programs.

“The orchestra is grateful that Sound Community Bank will be partnering with us to enhance the lives of our children in Clallam County,” said Mark Wendeborn, executive director of the symphony. “This demonstrates their commitment to the communities they serve.”

Adventures in Music began in the 1994-1995 school year to fill a void in live cultural arts educational opportunities and especially to help smaller districts with no music education.

Al Harris, program director, develops the program specifically for each school; the program benefits more than 4,100 students countywide.

Harris and a team of musicians perform 16 times over a two-week period in October, March and May.

Programs have included “The Science of Sound,” “Creativity With Jazz” and “A Little Bit of Country.” “Endangered Music” is the May program.

Each performance includes handouts for teachers to follow up with in their classrooms.

The organizers’ intent is to increase students’ abilities to comprehend and create music and to provide cultural enrichment. Adventures in Music helps schools meet Washington’s Essential Academic Learning requirement.

The Port Angeles Symphony provides the program for free to schools and students. This year’s proposed budget is $17,350 with funding coming from corporations, grants and private donations.

Sound Community Foundation, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, grants funds based upon need and circumstance, whereas the bank is the business side. Read more online at www.soundcb.com. For more information on the Port Angeles Symphony, visit www.portangelessymphony.org.