A Vernon choir has once again provided funds to local schools for the purchase of instruments and equipment that will help students bring their music to life.
The Vernon Community Singers recently presented $700 cheques to five schools within the Vernon School District. The money was raised through concert ticket sales from four 2024 concerts (two in the spring and two at Christmas)
"The more concert tickets we sell, the more we can donate!" said Sherri Field, one of 75-plus members of the singing group. "The choir has been donating money to music education for many years because as a choir, we believe that music plays a key role in schools, as it teaches skills such as teamwork, listening, and commitment."
The $700 cheques were handed out Wednesday (April 16) to Lori Robinson of Ellison Elementary (for the purchase of tone chimes and guitar repairs); Nigel Maccagno of J.W. Inglis Elementary (to purchase xylophones); Natalie Kober of Kidston Elementary (instrument repair, purchase of percussion instruments); Lana O'Brien of W.L. Seaton Secondary (to purchase a piano dolly for their new piano; and Laren Eikerman of Okanagan Landing Elementary (to purchase instruments to form a band).
The choir also sponsors the $500 Molly Boyd scholarship, awarded to a graduating student who plans to attend a post-secondary school to study music.
In the past, the choir has donated funds to the Vernon Registered Music Teachers Association, which gave scholarships to some of their students during their annual music festival.
The organization has joined the recently formed Vernon Performing Arts Festival, a non-profit group that is dedicated to creating opportunities for amateur musicians, singers and dancers to showcase their talents in dance, piano, voice and strings. The Vernon Community Singers also donated $1,000 to this inaugural festival, to be held this month. This money will be given to School District 22 students of voice and/or piano.
