2026 Organizations

About

At Homer OPUS, we believe that broad access to music education can change children's lives and transform community. Our programs put real violins into the hands of kindergarteners and first and second-graders across the southern Kenai Peninsula by offering free string music education at Chapman School, Paul Banks Elementary, and Fireweed Academy. The goal of these programs is to help kids build brain skills such as focus, memory, and attention. These skills strengthen young people’s proficiency with language and literacy, helping them become better learners and better citizens. Our afterschool string ensemble program picks up where the school program leaves off, building skills of musicianship and a lifelong love of learning. Throughout all of our programs, we focus on building community bonds through music by holding informal and formal performances, music-sharing events, school and community concerts, and more. Through OPUS, first graders teach their parents how to hold a violin, adult musicians mentor youth players, and families that might never cross paths sit side by side, as their children make music together. Our programs give young people a sense of agency in their lives, provide children opportunities to be part of something larger than themselves, and knit community bonds one note at a time. Our vision is for every child to have access to the benefits that string music education can provide and the opportunity to experience the joy of making music with others.

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