For a child who has never held an instrument, the chance to try one can open a door they never knew existed.

Portland Metro Concert Band plans a free Petting Zoo concert, bringing the joy of live music together with the chance to touch and explore the instruments that make it. Volunteer musicians in animal costumes will bring the petting zoo theme to life, demonstrate different instruments & guide children as they try making music.

As school music funding diminishes, children can lose the chance to discover an interest in music before cost even becomes a barrier. We want children from all cultures & socioeconomic backgrounds to experience the joy of hearing music & have the chance to make it themselves, without cost deciding who gets to participate.

We also plan outreach to blind & deaf communities. Blind participants can explore instruments through touch, while deaf participants can feel vibrations hands-on as instruments are played. The Petting Zoo will offer ways to experience music beyond watching or listening to a performance.

PMCB has brought free concert band music to the community since 1992. Our 66 members rehearse weekly, musicians pay no dues & our conductors are local teachers. Their connections with Reynolds School District & other districts will help us reach students & families. We already offer instrument lending & youth mentoring, giving us a foundation for helping an initial spark of interest grow into continued participation.

The $1,000 will help buy or rent animal costumes & cover part of the Portland venue rental for the free concert & Instrument Petting Zoo.

Our volunteer musicians will share their love of music across generations. For children, meeting the people behind the music & exploring their instruments can turn a concert into a personal discovery. That first encounter could spark the desire to learn, giving a child a new way to express themselves & connect with others.