I’m so proud to live on an island which has its own outstanding symphonic orchestra with its multitude of accomplished string players, a wind section bar none and even pounding percussion. And now . . . (we need a drum roll) all youth are welcome FREE OF CHARGE.

In a world where fewer people can afford to attend live concerts, our orchestra is making it possible for the young to hear symphonic music without costing the family an arm and a leg.

My wife and I traveled to Seattle to hear the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall last Thursday. When we added up expenses it was well over $200 to attend the one concert. The cost of concert tickets, gas, round-trip ferry fares, dinner and staying overnight, plus the hassle of three hours of driving, waiting in ferry lines and parking downtown made this trip a major undertaking.

When we attend a local concert it costs us under $40 for two, and there is nearly no money spent on gas and very little time expended getting to and from the venue.

If you haven’t heard how professional our local orchestra is, please make the effort to attend the last Oak Harbor concert of the 2010-2011 season.

And, while you’re at it bring your kids or grandkids for no extra charge. Being a retired elementary music teacher, I see the need for youth to have opportunities to experience live musical performances, and here’s one free of charge.

This last Oak Harbor concert entitled Gypsy Nights is Monday evening, April 4, at 7 p.m. in the Oak Harbor HS Auditorium. The guest artist for the evening is Linnea Bardarson on piano.

If you are a high school student, you need not be accompanied by a parent.  What an inexpensive date for an evening!

I hope to see many of you there at April 4, or April 5 if you live closer to Langley.

Vern Olsen
Coupeville