Seward Music Association received a $5,000 competitive grant to support bringing music to Seward schools through the purchase of a xylophone and marimba for the middle school, and by bringing at least two professional musicians to play for students at the schools.
Three-time National flatpicking champion Steve Kaufman.
Through this grant, Seward Music Association brought professional musicians in the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years. On May 5, Anchorage acoustic guitarist, Rick Brooks, played at Seward Elementary and Seward High School. The Seward Middle School students walked to the high school for the performance as well. On August 25, 2017, three-time National Flatpicking Champion Steve Kaufman gave a performance at Seward Elementary to all the students. This was an exciting end to their first week of school.
The xylophone and marimba for Seward Middle School were also purchased. The xylophone is currently being used by the music students; the marimba has yet to arrive as it is currently backordered.
The Seward Community Foundation Unrestricted Fund provided the funds for expanding these musical opportunities in the Seward schools.