Great Bend Center for Music

Sound Scholars Early Learning ProgramGreat Bends flagship early learning program is Sound Scholars, an entirely online, research-based early learning program that uses music to build kindergarten readiness and pro-social learning skills. Designed originally to serve rural families without access to high quality early learning in our Olympic Peninsula home, the program is delivered via lively, interactive Zoom sessions. Students as young as 2 participate on laptops, tablets and cell phones in bedrooms, living rooms and minivans. Each fast-paced, 30-minute session focuses on preparing kids for ensemble participation (learning teamwork) and includes age-appropriate ear training, music literacy, ensemble practice, songcraft, vocabulary, listening, and leadership activities with a strong STEM focus and a range of daily Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities. To date the program has served well over 1,000 families in 42 states and 7 countries.

Great Bend Capital VisionThe capital vision is to establish North Americas first institute for applied research in community music. For example, research shows music in memory care facilities (our Memory Care Chior) can lower overhead costs by reducing agitation and increasing staff satisfaction thus reducing turnover. As we began to resume in-person programming we were able to also resume not only on-going fundraising and development conversations, but also the completion of an appraisal for potential acquisition. This process involves discussions with a range of local stakeholders, including our communitys new county executive and director of community development.

Great Bend Chorale & Youth ChoraleGreat Bends award-winning community ensembles are designed to build civic engagement by bringing together diverse and varied members from all throughout our community. For this reason, there is no audition, and fees are on a sliding scale to maximize participation and build connections between less connected parts of our community while building community pride. This year saw the re-launch of Great Bends two leading ensembles in performances of Vivaldis Gloria with full orchestra in Seattle and Shelton as the culmination of a 12-week term during which choristers worked on vocal technique, music literacy, music history for proper context for Vivaldi, and ensemble skills.