Seattle Christian School, a private SeaTac religious school, is set to host a benefit concert for Highline Public Schools’ the Global Connections High School Wind Ensemble group on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.

Both groups will perform in the Seattle Christian auditorium, 18301 Military Rd. S.

Global Connections Wind Ensemble has been selected to perform at the highly anticipated Presidential Inauguration Festival on Jan. 18-21, 2013 in Washington D.C.

Seattle Christian band director, Adam Smith, is coordinating the evening benefit concert and looks forward to raising much needed funds to help neighbors in the community.

“Once the idea of a benefit concert became public,” said Smith, “the Seattle Christian community was immediately excited about this partnership opportunity. We look forward to seeing the Global Connections Wind Ensemble take advantage of the amazing trip they’ve earned.”

Smith added, “(Global Connections band director) Lyn Nelthropp and I have been friends for years and I think it’s great for Seattle Christian to be able to partner with GC students and staff and support them for this incredible experience.”

Global Connections is located on the Tyee campus, about a mile down Military Road from Seattle Christian.

The “GC to D.C.” benefit concert will open with the Seattle Christian Jazz Band, followed by performances from the Global Connections Jazz Band. The Global Connections Wind Ensemble is the concerts’ main performance and is the group traveling to Washington D.C.

Doors open at 5:15 p.m., with the concert beginning promptly at 6 p.m. Refreshments and baked goods will be available for sale. Admission is free to the public and donations will be gladly accepted all night, including at the door.

Seattle Christian is a non-profit private Christian school located just off I-5 in SeaTac. The 13-acre campus has approximately 550 students, kindergarten through 12th grade. Seattle Christian officials say the school is known for its top-rated academics, strong biblical worldview, competitive athletics programs, excellent fine and performing arts and broad extra-curricular programs.

Global Connections is one of three autonomous small schools established in September 2005 at the Tyee Educational Complex in the Highline School District. With a very diverse student population of 370 and a staff of 39, GC say the school has developed as a serious and supportive place for all students to learn, to be prepared to succeed in college and contribute to the global community.

A previous fund-raising event, “An Evening of Jazz and Friends,” at SeaTac’s Cedarbrook Lodge contributed more than $27,000 to send the wind ensemble to Washington, D.C.

The school, where nearly 80 percent of the student body qualifies for free- or reduced-price lunch, needs $60,000 to pay for travel and accommodation for the band members.

“Our community extended its generosity to these students in a way that I have seldom witnessed,” said Superintendent Susan Enfield. “I thank each and every individual, business and organization for their tremendous support. They demonstrated how very deeply our community cares about its students, as well as the power of community collaboration.”



Other funds have been raised through parent pledges and events, coupon book sales and direct donations.

However, district officials say donations are still needed to fulfill what is described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Tax-deductible donations can be made to Highline Schools Foundation, http://www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org/.