I am writing to express my appreciation to the Poulsbo and North Kitsap communities for their enthusiastic support of the Poulsbo Community Orchestra. In only three years, our young orchestra has doubled musician membership and tripled concert attendance.

Each of our recent performances — December’s holiday concert and last week’s “Out of This World” program of challenging and difficult music — attracted approximately 600 guests at North Kitsap Community Auditorium.

To perform free concerts for our community, we must rely on donations and civic and business sponsorships and advertising. We are most thankful for last week’s at-the-door donations, which covered almost one-half of the $4,000 production cost.

Our volunteer conductor, Maestro Mansfield, and talented musicians dedicate several thousand rehearsal and practice hours before each concert. It is clear to me that symphonic music occupies a special position within the music and arts cultural environment here in North Kitsap. We musicians are most grateful to our community.

The final performance for the 2016-17 season will be on June 25: “Night at the Movies Pops Concert.” Mark your calendars today.

Steve Swann

Executive director

Poulsbo Community Orchestra