Homer OPUS is a nonprofit organization that delivers string-based music programs to youth ages kindergarten through 12th grade and adults in Homer, Alaska. Our mission is to build a stronger community by creating music together. Our programs are privately funded and are free or low-cost, making music instruction—and the joy of music—available to young people across our community. All told, our programs serve some 200 kids. And the number grows every year.
OPUS formed in 2019 as a collaboration among school- and community-based youth string programs in Homer. These programs have a combined total of more than 20 years of experience in delivering high-quality, low-cost music programs in the community.
With cooperation from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, OPUS provides music instruction and the use of a real violin to all kindergarten through second grade students in Homer at no cost. Goals of the school-based programs (Paul Banks Preludes , Fireweed Frescoes & Chapman Eagle Ensemble) are to help young people become better learners and better citizens, by building brain skills, including concentration, perseverance, and teamwork.
As these young musicians transition into the community-based programs (Homer Youth String Orchestra Club), skills of musicianship are added, helping foster lifelong learning and joy in music and the experience of ensemble.
Research is unequivocal on the positive benefits of music to young brains. Music instruction helps kids build executive functioning skills and build more neural connections. Check out the links below for more information.
PBS: The Benefits of Music Education
Pacific Standard: Music Lessons Boost Kids’ Cognitive Skills
University of Southern California: Children’s Brain Develop Faster with Music Training
Frontiers in Neuroscience: Music Education & Executive Functions