When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What's going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians' brains when they play, and examines some of the long-term positive effects of this mental workout. (CLICK HERE to watch the video)

Lesson by Anita Collins, animation by Sharon Colman Graham.  

Darrington Elementary Thrives

On March 22, 2014, life in Rooms 5 and 7 at Darrington Elementary in Darrington, WA changed forever. The OSO landslide affected the community in many ways.

Music teacher Laura (pictured left sporting her Miss Melody headband) and Tanner Goheen wrote a song to support and commemorate those impacted by the Oso mudslide tragedy (more).  Thanks to a grant from the Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund, CMF was able to provide the First Note program to Laura's classrooms (pictured below).

Welcome Tanya Franzen!

Tanya's background is rooted in Sales and Marketing.  Having graduated with a degree in International Relations from the University of Redlands, she has held positions as Director of National Sales Accounts, and International Sales to Asia and Europe, and currently as a Residential Realtor.    An active community volunteer, Tanya has been involved in local PTSAs which have allowed insight as to the deep budget cuts the schools and districts are taking and the programs they are cutting (more).