Tahoma music faculty will team up next week to perform the annual District Music Faculty Concert, in honor of former Tahoma music teacher Mary Lou Harting.

The concert will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 in the auditorium at Tahoma Middle School, and is a fundraiser supporting scholarships given in Harting’s name. The Maple Valley Creative Arts Council came up with the concert about nine years ago, as an opportunity for faculty to showcase their talents for their students, parents, colleagues and community members, said Mary Jane Glaser, president of the arts council and Tahoma School Board member.

“Our faculty members choose the pieces they perform as solos, duos or groups,” Glaser said, noting that they show versatility by singing and playing multiple instruments, and that some perform their own compositions.

“It’s truly awe-inspiring to see how the exemplify the Tahoma Future Ready skills they inspire in their classrooms every day, particularly: Quality Producer; Self-Directed Learner; Effective Communicator and Collaborative Teammate,” Glaser said. “Each performance is a gem!”

About five years ago, David Adam suggested that the arts council dedicate the performances to Harting and contribute the donations at the door toward annual scholarships given in her name.

Each May, two students, one from choir and one from band, are honored with a scholarship at the Senior Awards Night, Glaser said.

The performance is open to the public, and suggested donations at the concert are $5 per person or $10 per family.