Executive Director of Steel Magic Northwest, Gary Gibson, reports that the organization has received a $35,000 foundation grant, which combined with two other recently received grants, is enough to place an order for steel orchestra instruments.

The award of these grants sets in motion the process of establishing an after-school program in the Edmonds area. Says Gibson of his hometown, “I am a 25-year Edmonds resident and I have all along felt strongly about building this here in my own backyard to give back to my own community.”

“We may be able to offer both youth and adult steel band classes as early as summer 2016,” says Gibson. “We still have to raise funding for the rest of our equipment (stands, sticks, cases, etc.), but the existing grant funding is enough to commit to an instrument order, which takes four to five months to fill. We anticipate further grant funding to cover the remaining equipment expenses.”

Steel Magic Northwest which performed at last summer’s Farmer’s Market is also seeking space to house the steel band program with occupancy as early as late April or May. Gibson was featured in this Artfully Edmonds profile last year.

To learn more about Steel Magic Northwest or provide Gibson with possibilities to house the program in the Edmonds area, email him at director@steelmagicnorthwest.org.