Sisters couple puts music in reach for kids

Brian Foutz understands the power of music to make the world a better place, and he's determined that any child who wants to learn to play music has the opportunity. He and his wife, Genny, started the Foutz Foundation last year with the goal of making musical instruments available to students free of charge.

Brian's brother, Travis, shared the love of music and was enrolled in college, preparing to become a music teacher. His unexpected death last year at age 36 caused Brian to seek a way to honor Travis's memory and the Foutz Foundation was created. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the foundation matches eligible students with an instrument of their choice. The student must provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher to ensure that there is serious intent to learn.

The Foutz brothers came to Central Oregon about 15 years ago to help their father with his house. It was completely different from their surroundings in Ohio, and they stayed. Brian currently works in Sisters at XPress Printing.

They both started their love affair with music in elementary school, playing multiple instruments in jazz and marching and symphonic bands and starting their own garage bands as they grew up. Brian was mainly a percussionist while Travis played guitar and trombone.

"We understood the power of music, in good times, bad times and every time between," said Brian.

The foundation is seeking applications from interested students and donations of instruments. Brian realizes that once a person has spent many years learning to play music, getting rid of the source of that musical joy can be difficult. He hopes the knowledge that one's beloved instrument is causing another to experience that joy will encourage donations.

Students from all of Central Oregon can apply. "We want to turn this into something where every students who wants to learn an instrument gets one," said Brian.

Instructions for instrument donations and applications are available on the Foutz Foundation website, www.foutzfoundation.org or by calling 541-549-6063.