Bobble Tiki remembers it well — his childhood that is, a childhood filled with music. Bobble Tiki’s parents were adamant about it, always doing their best to expose young Bobble Tiki to a wide array of musical genres and making every effort to ensure Bobble Tiki’s formative years were spent with music and music education as a staple. It’s the main reason Bobble Tiki fell in love with the cello (among other instruments) in middle school, and the reason Bobble Tiki spent many rainy afternoons practicing with his high school marching band — beating the bass drum with joyful fervor and authority. Music has been an enriching, fulfilling and truly important part of Bobble Tiki’s development as a person — without a doubt.
 

Unfortunately, many kids in our area aren’t as lucky as Bobble Tiki was growing up. School music programs have suffered dearly from a lack of emphasis and funding, and many times children who would love nothing more than to harness, develop and sharpen their musical creativity simply aren’t able to because of it.
 

Bobble Tiki thinks that sucks. Big time. And he’s glad there are people out there who agree with him.
 

Specifically, Bobble Tiki is glad there are people — and programs — out there like Ted Brown Music Outreach. A 501c3 nonprofit created by Ted Brown Music — the locally-based music store with four Washington locations — for the last two years Ted Brown Music Outreach has made it their mission to provide kids who need it with donated musical instruments and instruction. It’s a beautiful thing, and the results, and smiles from kids who’ve been helped by the program, are undeniable.
 

“Basically, the reason Ted Brown Music Outreach was started was because we all believe music makes kids’ lives better,” says Ted Brown Music Outreach President Danyal Henderson. “We’re still fairly new. The fist year was spent jumping through hoops and getting our nonprofit status. Those who know about us have been really responsive. We’re all new, and we’re just trying to get our name out there right now.”
 

While Ted Brown Music Outreach may be fairly new and somewhat unheard of at this point, the organization is quickly making a name for itself. In addition to hooking up kids with free, donated musical instruments, Ted Brown Music Outreach organizes band camps in the summer and will soon start a program on Fort Lewis, holding classes (what Henderson calls a “mommy and me” format) teaching young children about the joys of music while at the same time aiding in their development as human beings. 
 

It simply doesn’t get much more valiant — or important — than that.
 

“We’re trying to step in and help,” says Henderson. “Ted Brown Music thought it would be great for the company to branch out and do something like this. Music affects everyone. Unfortunately there are a lot of kids that don’t have the opportunity (to play and learn music). We want to be there for them and show them they count, too.” 
 

“We are here and we’re here to help,” says Henderson.
 

But Ted Brown Music Outreach can’t do it alone. The organization has the drive and desire to enrich the lives of underprivileged youth through music, but they still need people to donate musical instruments, time and money. Information on how people can do all of those things, which Bobble Tiki highly recommends, can be found on the organization’s Web site, www.tbmoutreach.com. If you’re better in person, think about hitting up their next meeting, which will be held Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. at Ted Brown Music on Tacoma Mall Boulevard.
 

Also, if you know of a child who’d benefit from what Ted Brown Music Outreach does, take a moment to swing by the store and ask about the program. Scholarship forms for musical instruments are available. 

While usually Bobble Tiki doesn’t really care what you do, this week is a little different. If you have the ability, please think about helping with Ted Brown Music Outreach’s cause. Not only will you sleep better at night, but Bobble Tiki guarantees you that you’ll be making a positive difference in the life of a child. That’s what it’s all about. Check out www.weeklyvolcano.com for all your South Sound Internet needs, and look for Bobble Tiki to be back to his typically drunken tomfoolery next week. Even Bobble Tiki gets serious sometimes. 
 

[Ted Brown Music,  6228 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma, 253.272.3211]