Musécole ‘Why We Sing’ concert raises $1,800 for music instruments in local schools
On September 30, 2017, ten Townships singers took the stage at Centennial Theatre to share a collection of powerful songs and make a positive impact in their community for Musécole’s second annual fundraiser, ‘Why we Sing’.
The event raised over $1,800, making Musécole’s two-year fundraising total roughly $4,200, donated to music programs in local schools.
This year’s funds were distributed to Sutton Elementary School to purchase ukuleles and Richmond Regional High School to help with the purchase of electric guitars, amplifiers and drums.
Musécole, a local non-profit organization with a goal of highlighting local talent and supporting music initiatives in Townships schools and communities, was launched in 2016.
The first concert, Back to Graceland, was a Paul Simon Tribute for the 30th anniversary of the release of the Graceland album. Organizer Matthew Mccully realized from the get-go that the concert would require substantial support from the local music community. He enlisted the help of eight-piece brass and percussion group Grüv ‘n Brass, The Champlain Choir, members of the BU singers and local dance and percussion school Sankofa, along with a handful of talented local singers.
The concert, held in October of 2016, sold out Centennial Theatre.
Wanting to pay-it-forward to a new generation of musicians, Mccully, through Musécole, donated the $2,400 in profits from the show to Sherbrooke Elementary School to help with the purchase of band instruments. According to music teacher Tracey Rivette, the school was able to buy a trombone and two flutes.
Following the success of its first endeavour, Musécole got to work on another large scale concert highlighting local talent.
The 2017 show Why We Sing included a collection of songs that have been agents of change in the world. They covered all genres and several decades in music history.
Musécole hand-picked both professionals and up and coming singers to participate in the show, including La Voix contestants Tim Brink, Marie Bélisle and Amos Joannides, local singer songwriter and artist Kate Morrison and Sonia Patenaude, a regular fixture on the local music scene. In the up and coming category were second-year BU student Canda Habonimana, Champlain student Sarah Wells and Ember Gendreau, a Massey-vanier High School student. Kathryne Owen, a well-kept singing secret in the area, rounded out the featured performers.
Again, the concert was a success, raising $1,849.
To decide how to best distribute the profits from the show, Musécole contacted the Eastern Townships School Board committee of teachers that organizes the annual board-wide United in Music festival.
The committee suggested that Sutton and Richmond had students and staff who were itching to get their hands on some new instruments, so Musécole was happy to oblige.
The success of Musécole’s first two performances is due in large part to support from the community and sponsorships from local businesses, elected representatives and Townshippers Foundation.
While the end goal of Musécole is fundraising for youth music initiatives, the concerts also shine a light on talented local music professionals and give young performers valuable stage experience.
Buying a ticket to a show or donating to Musécole not only puts instruments into the hands of young locals, it guarantees a fair wage to local professionals and supports local venues.
In the coming weeks, Musécole will announce this year’s concert.
Anyone interested in participating in the show or helping with the organization is welcome to get in touch by emailing musecoleproductions@gmail.com.