ABOUT STEEL MAGIC NORTHWEST
Steel Magic Northwest is as much about making good people as it is about making good music! Participants learn much more than just music in the steel band. They develop teamwork skills, leadership through mentoring, an increased sense of responsibility to the group, social skills, and they see on a regular basis the fruits of their dedication. The steel band is different than school band or orchestra in that the director doesn't stand in front with a baton; the students themselves are in front, and therefore have a heightened sense of ownership of the performance.
MISSION STATEMENT
Steel Magic Northwest exists to teach music, teamwork, leadership, and other important life skills, and to build community in the context of the modern steel orchestra.
Our specific goals are to...
provide a safe, family-structured environment where kids can learn not only music, but also teamwork, the value and rewards of dedication, and leadership skills as they move up in the ranked bands.
Provide a strong, lasting support community for the particpants.
provide a rich environment for adult learning in social steel bands, where people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds can bond through music.
educate and entertain the general public with the music we make.
train music educators in the special challenges and techniques of steel band leadership, so that all steel bands in the region are improved and the art form is appreciated at a higher level.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Scott Ketron
President
Executive Director of WMEA, Former Executive Director of MusicWorks NW
Jeff Patterson
Vice President
Parent of three SMN youth participants, professional fundraiser
Don Dieterich
Treasurer
Percussionist, music educator
Vonnie Atkison
Secretary
Parent of three SMN youth participants
Scott Hyde
Trustee
Adult steel band member, business consultant
Chris Buckingham
Trustee
Parent of one SMN youth participant, marketing specialist
Gary Gibson
Trustee
Founder, Executive and Artistic Director, musician, composer, music educator
Haru Hirota
Trustee
Parent of two SMN youth participants
Jamie Hoffman
Trustee
Parent of two SMN youth participants
Tracey Pocius
Trustee
Parent of one youth participant