The Greenwood neighborhood is home to a nonprofit organization that bills itself as "Seattle's only Community Music School serving ages six months to 80+ years."

This month, that group, the Music Center of the Northwest, marks its 10th anniversary with a series of public performances planned to reflect the school's broad musical scope.

An Honors Recital on Saturday, May 8, will showcase student performers ranging in age from elementary school through senior citizen. Saturday, May 15, will feature Music Center's highly accomplished faculty in performances of solo and unusual ensemble works. Both programs will be presented, free of charge, at the school, 901 N. 96th St.

The Music Center will also present a Gala Concert and Reception on Saturday, May 22, at Seattle's new Town Hall performance space at 8th and Seneca. The concert, which features the premiere of Symphony #9 by Seattle composer Dell Wade, will be sponsored in part by Classic KING FM. Suggested donation for admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Music Center, founded by director Janice Gockel, held its first official class in June 1989 in the basement of St. John Lutheran Church.in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood. Twelve students participated. By 1995, the school had outgrown the space it had been using at St. John and moved to the Oak Lake Baptist Church at North 96th and Linden.

Today the school serves nearly 500 students. For more information, call 526-8443 or visit the school's Web site at www.mcnw.org