A Song In Our Hearts… and Tarts!

A Benefit Concert for Orcas Middle & High School Music Program With Sharon Abreu & Friends

By Marian O’Brien

“I believe that band is not merely an elective, but a course that teaches people how to live together. Literally and metaphorically, music is simply another language, but more. It teaches teamwork, leadership, open-mindedness, respect, and mostly, joy. Music is necessary for my education because ultimately it teaches me, and my fellow musicians, nothing less than co-existence.”

Songs and tarts to warm the hearts will entertain guests at the Nov. 3 Orcas School Music Benefit Concert

On Tuesday, November 3^rd, the Oddfellows Hall will resound with sweet music to raise funds to benefit the Middle and High School music program.

Sharon Abreu & Friends—Mike Hurwicz, Martin Lund, Grace McCune, Kailley Grantham, Orcas Horns, Orcas High School Jazz Ensemble and Orcas Middle School Chorus will delight their audience from 7-8pm with tunes from the heart.

Does anyone know what the musician-per-capita ratio is here on Orcas Island? I believe it would be off the charts. Is it because we have such great community musical vehicles such as the Community Band and Orcatrazz, Island Sinfonia, the Choral Society and Orcas Acapella, and others, that provide a place for all to play and sing? Is it just that tunes sound so darned good in our pristine Island air? I think it’s this and more.

Each of the performers on November 3rd will describe how their musical careers were formed by their early music education. Musicians have great stories to tell—how a teacher, relative, friend, or sometimes a celebrity—inspired them, challenged them, and supported them in their quest to make music. So many of us had these musical gifts given to us as children, and we are committed to giving children growing up on Orcas those same opportunities.

This year the Music Advocacy Group in their generous annual gift of a stipend for the school music teachers, provided funds that allowed middle/high school music teacher Lizz Hanks to bring in vocalist and musician Sharon Abreu to work with the choral class. They will deliver two special songs at the concert that they have been working on.

Abreu says of her early music education: “I had many fun experiences in my public school music program. My participation began in 4th grade when I joined the chorus and started studying violin. In junior high school, we did special productions that were musical revues of Rodgers & Hammerstein and Gilbert & Sullivan. I sang onstage for these. For some of the school musicals I played in the pit orchestra. In high school, I played violin in the orchestra, sang in the small chorus and played piano for the big chorus. I was also in some of the musicals, either onstage or in the pit.

The most fun thing of all was singing in our high school women’s double barbershop quartet called “4 Roses Plus 4”. I was very lucky that my public school music teachers were both competent and kind. They were very professional and knew how to get good results while showing respect for the students and providing us with a fun and rewarding experience. Because of the public school music program, I was prepared to audition for and play in the New York Youth Symphony, which gave concerts in Carnegie Hall. I was a very shy kid and didn’t socialize easily. Being involved in the public school music activities helped me a lot to socialize and to come out of my shell, and to develop my skills and talent.”

Grace McCune has been living and breathing music her entire life. “I received my first instrument at the age of six years old”, she recounts. “As long as I can remember we had music in my house as a constant presence growing up. My Mom was a band director for the local junior high with a great appreciation for brass instruments. This appreciation inspired my Mom to create a brass quartet with her three children and herself. My Mom played the trumpet, my eldest brother played the Baritone, the middle brother played trombone and I, without my two front teeth learned to play the French Horn. Before I had learned to read books, I learned to read notes on a staff. As a family during the holiday seasons we played music for the local retirement homes, hospitals and community centers.

As I grew up, my love for music had grown with me to include piano and voice. By the time I reached junior high, I was able to participate in all the school music programs. I played French horn in the band and orchestra, I sang in the choir and auditioned for every play and musical my school did. Music has been my constant companion throughout my childhood and into my adult life. It is the way I express myself and identify with the world around me.”

Join us at the Oddfellows Hall on Tuesday, November 3 at 7pm. Tickets are by suggested donation of $10 and are available at Darvill’s Bookstore, the High School office, and at the door the night of the concert.

“And the tarts?” you might be asking, “What about the tarts?” All those in attendance will be treated to home made tarts of assorted varieties as a token of gratitude for their support of this vital program for our kids. We hope to see you there.

“Music helps you to understand people and cultures. It has a way of bringing people together. Music soothes feelings and clears the minds. Music is about communication, cooperation and creativity. If we study music we can enrich these skills, and in this way we become better citizens and hopefully build a better world in which to live.”
14 year old music student