EDMONDS, Wash. — Edmonds is alive with the sound of marimbas.
At Edmonds Center for the Arts, the Rhythm Generation summer workshop brings teens and seniors together in perfect rhythm.
"There are fewer and fewer opportunities for older people and young people to work together, and so we brought in music as a way to fulfill that," says Gillian Jones, director of programming.
Music instructor Teresa Catford agrees, "It's just fun. And the music's fun. And to see everybody enjoy it is just a blast.
The marimba summer camp program, now in its second year, breaks down barriers and builds new friendships.
Angela Neubauer, Edmonds Center for the Arts' director of development says, "It's a place for anybody to be welcomed and feel valued."
The teens find they have much to learn from those with more experience. And the seniors are learning a thing or two, themselves.
Catford spots an 80-year-old student getting some help from her much younger marimba partner.
"Look at Jocelyn working with Ann," she says. "Ann came a little late. Jocelyn's helping her out. Fantastic. That's what this is all about."
It's a song shared across the years.
"By the end of the week, when we're playing, it rocks out," Catford says.
Music for the soul, no matter the age.
Catford says, "Supporting each other, helping each other to have a good time, learn something new. It's a blast."
