When school budget cuts come around, in many districts the arts are usually the first thing to go. But on South Whidbey the arts thrive in the classroom and with private instruction. A new music book and CD produced and written by Joseph Itaya, a 1996 South Whidbey graduate, is part of the continued effort by locals to spread a love for music.

“People in this community are creating valuable tools to open kids’ minds,” said David Ossman, narrator of “Ben’s Birthday Present.”

“Ben’s Birthday Present” is a project four years in the works, created to get kids excited about classical music.

“We wanted to be creative and inspire them to the possibilities that can be opened up to them if they use their imagination,” Itaya said.

He points to the tradition of Sergei Prokoffiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” and Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” as forerunners to projects such as his that combine music and story to create a dynamic music experience.

The tiny, 32-page book that is tucked inside the CD case is illustrated by Seattle artist Mary Iverson. The accompanying CD of music and narration was recorded at South Whidbey’s Sound Trap Studios, owned and operated by Langley resident Robby Cribbs.

The book tells the story of how every year on his birthday, Ben’s grandmother gives him a magical and mysterious gift. But when Ben pulls back the wrapping paper on this year’s present, all he finds is an antique music box that doesn’t even work. Brokenhearted, Ben shelves the music box and forgets all about it … until one stormy day when the box comes alive and changes Ben’s life forever.

Every piece heard on the accompanying CD is performed by a different young pianist, 10 artists ranging in age from 9 to 17.

“We wanted to be able to show them that kids their age could play these pieces too,” Itaya said.

Cribbs is also working on some children’s productions himself and was glad to be on board with his long-time musical acquaintance.

“I’ve been recording Joey since he was in high school,” Cribbs said.

Itaya, 24, began playing the piano at the age of 3 and by the time he reached high school he had become an accomplished pianist, conductor and composer. He’s performed extensively all over Whidbey, as well as Europe, Japan and all over the Northwest.

He spent three years off island attending Edmonds community college before heading to Southern California, where he is now in his graduate studies at USC film school.

Even though his focus is now in film, his business Tempered Entertainment meshes his two loves: music and film. Working in the company’s Seattle and Los Angeles offices, he continues to be a musical performer, conductor, composer, instructor, and music producer as well as write, produce and direct films.

“Classical music is near and dear to my heart and is such a big part of my childhood,” Itaya said. “It’s a beautiful thing not all children are exposed to because of the stigma it’s hard to learn and boring.”

Cribbs isn’t envious of music instructors who, he said, have so many temptations to compete with for the students’ attention.

“The child has to find in the chaos a true appreciation for music,” he said.

“Ben’s Birthday Present” does come with one parental warning.

“Your kids are going to want to have music lessons after this,” Itaya said.