Music marathon
Performances support symphony outreach
Every year as the skies darken and leaves slip off the trees, the 15th annual “Love of Music Marathon” beckons music lovers to enter the cosy sanctuary at First United Church in Waterloo.
The day is filled with music, from gospel to jazz, with solo performers, quintets, quartets and bands. Every musician has either raised money or contributed in another way, all to help support the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s community outreach programs, which provide subsidized music lessons for children of low-income families though the Bridge to Music program. Programs also include free concerts given by symphony musicians in places such as retirement and nursing care facilities, schools, libraries, gathering places for the homeless as well as health care centres.
The Music Marathon is one of the most successful annual fundraisers run by the symphony’s volunteer committee, and there is never a shortage of musicians willing to perform.
“Last year there were 14 concerts, we netted $16,000,” said program co-ordinator Catherine Duval-Russell. “We’ve contributed $215,000 over 14 years.
“I think it’s a great achievement.”
Though several local music schools have chosen their most promising and accomplished students to perform, there are also professionals, such as pianist Boyd McDonald and saxophone player Willem Moolenbeek performing “Green Earth Suite,” a piece by Joanne Bender.
There will also be a number of composing students from Wilfrid Laurier University’s music faculty, playing their own compositions.
“This year, there are many new people,” said Duval-Russell. “We have new musicians and seasoned musicians.”
In keeping with providing a well-rounded and unexpected musical offering, Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Bell Ringers will perform as well as Soul Sauce Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the highly energetic and fun Waterloo Engineering Jazz Band.
New this year will be a 1 p.m. performance by local politicians, including retired regional chair and accomplished organist Ken Seiling.
Joining him will be MP Raj Saini as well as Middle Eastern drummer and MP Marwan Tabbara.
MPP and jazz vocalist Laura Mae Lindo and councillor Angela Vieth are also on the program. The politicians’ musical interlude will include the symphony’s principal trumpet, Larry Larson, as well as Tim Louis on piano.
The day will feature refreshments and door prizes, and a donation table has been set up as well as a craft table selling mostly Christmas items, including seasonal planters in various sizes, ranging from $30 to $60.
Duval-Russell notes the marathon, running in three rooms at the church, attracts all manner of people, from singles to seniors, from students to families. Admission is by donation.
“Some people come with little kids and they bring $5 and we’re grateful,” said Duval-Russell. “We’re happy if people give a dollar.”