The Sequim Community Orchestra kicks off its 2019 season with the eighth-annual winter concert at 7 p.m. Friday, March 15, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 S. Blake Ave., Sequim.

“The snow couldn’t stop us, it just slowed us down a little,” said Beth Pratt, past-president of the Sequim Community Orchestra.

“We were ready to perform in February, even if the weather wasn’t ready for us. It is our hope that our friends and neighbors will be able to come out on the 15th and enjoy the music.”

The Family Concert idea started with the SCO’s first concert in 2012, and the group likes to focus on making the concert family-friendly each year. For this concert, the audience is invited to arrive by 6:30 p.m. for an “Instrument Petting Zoo,” where children of all ages are able to get up-close with the instruments played by members.

Before the music starts, SCO Board Vice President Dr. Grace Yelland will entertain the audience with tales of the conductors and musical pieces to be performed.

At 7 p.m., the music begins. The program includes some familiar tunes, including themes from “Les Miserables,” “March of the Dwarfs” and Mozart’s “Sleigh Ride” — during which the children of the audience will be invited to join the percussion section.

The music concludes with a performance of J.S. Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 4” with soloists on flute and violin.

The concert is free to attend, though donations are gratefully accepted.

Money raised at concerts supports the orchestra’s String Kids program, providing up to a third of the group’s income for the year, orchestra officials said. Donations from concert-goers keep the program free for local families.

Refreshments will be provided by members of the orchestra.

For more information, contact SCO board president Justin Knobel at 360-780-1061 or president@sequim communityorchestra.org.