Last month’s Chautauqua Musical Festival, hosted by the Vashon Eagles, netted $5,000 for music programs at Chautauqua Elementary and McMurray Middle schools.

At the school district, Donna Donnelly said they welcome the funds, which will help provide instruments and music for students who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

Organizer Mike Dumo-vich called the event, which featured nearly 30 musicians of all ages and genres. a success.

“It was a testament to this island’s core belief that the arts are not just important for aesthetics, but are an innate, necessary part of being alive,” he said in a recent email.

Nancy Connolly, the Eagles’ secretary, said the group was extremely pleased and plans to keep up fundraising efforts for the program throughout the year. Next year the Eagles hope to hold another music festival for the same purpose.