SANDPOINT — In addition to visits to area elementary schools this week, The Festival at Sandpoint presents a public performance of their musical outreach program at Luther Park at 3:15 p.m. today. Residents of Lutherhaven and other area assisted living communities plan to attend, and anyone who loves music is also cordially invited to enjoy this free 45-minute concert which features excerpts from the Festival’s upcoming summer symphonic programs.

The Festival’s educational mission has been on the road this week with performances for all Bonner and Boundary County public, private and home-schooled fifth-grade students. The goal of this community-oriented, educational outreach is to entertain, educate and foster an interest in listening to and learning to play music at a pivotal time before most of the students have the opportunity participate in band during sixth grade. Another goal of this program is to promote the enjoyment of music as a family activity, so each student and their parents will receive three free tickets to attend either The Festival’s Grand Finale Concert on Aug. 14 at Memorial Field with Maestro Gary Sheldon and The Spokane Symphony or The Festival’s Family Concert with the Festival’s Community Orchestra on Aug. 7.

The program was founded in 1999 when The Festival’s educational mission took on a community focus. The outreach was an instant hit with students and teachers and continues to grow every year. Now, in its 18th year, the ensemble consists of local and regional musicians, led by the Festival’s principal conductor, Maestro Gary Sheldon. It has expanded to benefit every public, private and home schooled 5th grader in Bonner and Boundary counties. An impressive ensemble of 13 musicians, including seasoned professionals and some of the area’s best student musicians are performing: Rich Beber, Karen Dignan, Sophie Dignan, Loi Eberle, Larry Hanna, Cindy Horton, Jeff McLagan, Ruby O’Connor, Kiersti Osborn, Katelyn Osborn, Lindy Osborn, Luke Osborn and Kai Whitley. Karen Dignan and Judy Heraper coordinated this year’s program in conjunction with local music teachers and The Festival at Sandpoint’s Educational Committee headed up by Eileen Atkisson.

A study guide for the students and their parents will be sent home with each child explaining the workshop and inviting the kids and their families to attend The Festival this summer with a voucher for three complimentary tickets and a one-time opportunity to purchase additional tickets for other family members at the discounted price of $5 each.

“It is our mission to inspire and enable the young people in our community to learn to play and to enjoy music,” said Festival at Sandpoint Executive Director Dyno Wahl. “Our 5th Grade Outreach Program gets these students revved up about the musical opportunities available to them right here in Sandpoint and we are happy to include a public performance for music fans of all ages this year.”