PINEDALE, Wyo. — Students and residents in Pinedale and Big Piney are learning about music and rhythms from around the world, thanks in part to $2,500 in funding from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning, the charitable arm of Pacific Power. The contribution helped enable the Pinedale Fine Arts Council (PFAC) to bring the Drum Brothers percussion ensemble from Missoula, Montana to local schools for a four-day musical education program.

“The Drum Brothers’ Musical Ensemble Residency and Performance” kicked off with school presentations and workshops on Monday, February 14, and will culminate with a performance in the Pinedale High School auditorium, on Thursday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. PFAC has also announced a special free-of-charge musical workshop for the community on Wednesday, February 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the PHS auditorium.

“We understand the importance of helping to provide students with a quality education in the arts,” said Craig Nelson, Pacific Power regional community manager. “There is an increasing scarcity of funding for cultural education programs in our schools, so we are especially pleased to help bring this musical residency program to communities in Sublette County.” 

PFAC was one of five Wyoming organizations to receive a grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation’s Pacific Power Fund, to help broaden and preserve worthwhile cultural and educational programs throughout the state. Drum Brothers residency activities will consist of four lecture/demonstrations and 12 classroom workshops with elementary students, along with middle school and high school music students, in Pinedale and Big Piney. The Drum Bothers will demonstrate rhythms of many cultures, including African, Caribbean, Asian, South American, American Indian and American Jazz.

“The Drum Brothers present cultural and musical elements that students may not otherwise be exposed to,” said Frank Roncalio, PFAC executive director. “This program couldn’t happen without support from the PacifiCorp Foundation’s Pacific Power Fund.”

For additional information about the Drum Brothers and other upcoming PFAC events visit www.pinedalefinearts.com or call the Arts Council at 307-367-7322.