Last month, Hurricane Harvey roared through Texas. In addition to many damaged homes and businesses, countless small reminders of the storm’s devastation remain.
For example, school districts lost music libraries. Some had been meticulously grown, for decades.
Help is on the way.
Luck’s Music Library has pledged to match every dollar donated to a special fund.
The Staples Music Department quickly joined in. The goal is to raise $10,00o here. Thanks to Luck’s, that would mean $20,000 worth of music for Texas.
How will Westport do it? Let’s count the ways.
On Wednesday, October 18 (7:30 p.m., Saugatuck Elementary School) the Staples Strings Concert kicks off the drive, with a pass-the-hat collection.
Lauren Schmidt, Jessica Xu and Scott Adler rehearse for the upcoming Strings Concert.
At halftime of the Friday, October 27 home football game, the Jazz Ensemble will appear on the big scoreboard. That’s followed by video of a Houston high school. Tri-M music honor society members will then collect funds in the stands.
A “Chamber-a-thon” is set for Friday, November 3. From 3:30 p.m. on, musical groups play for 20 minutes each. They’ll ask Westporters to sponsor their segments, and a case will be open for other donations. The music department is searching for a high visibility location like Barnes & Noble for this event.
After Thanksgiving, there’s a Radio-a-thon with recorded Staples music and pledges.
Funds will also be collected every concert in town from now through Candlelight. A board sign near the tennis courts will show progress.
Meanwhile, all donations are welcome. Checks can made out to “SHS Music” and sent to: Staples High School Music Department, 70 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. Please write “Hurricane Harvey relief” on the memo line.
Logo by Tomaso Scotti, a Staples student in Carla Eichler’s graphic design class.
