Elizabeth Forward faculty concert to benefit new music scholarship
When the Elizabeth Forward High school auditorium hosts a concert, it usually highlights the talents of the district’s students.
But the sounds emanating from the auditorium Wednesday night will come from the district’s music faculty.
Beginning at 7 p.m., eight district music teachers will perform. The event will benefit a scholarship fund for district students who plan to pursue a degree in music.
This is the third year for the special concert.
“We do have some kids every year who go into the music field,” said Chris Thomas, who teaches orchestra.
“So any way we can help them out financially is good.”
In the first two years for the concert, five students received scholarships of at least $500, Thomas said.
The concert is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the scholarship fund.
The eight faculty members will play a wide variety of music, from classical to pop, including Brahms, Chopin and Billy Joel. Thomas will play a three-song tribute to Prince.
The line-up also includes: Middle school choris director Mark Maurer on the French horn, middle school band teacher Margaret Dennis on bassoon, elementary music teacher Lisa Zubritsky on piano, elementary band teacher Ben Cook on the snare drums, high school elementary choir director Angie Berna Milliren on alto and saxophone, high school band and orchestra director Steve Spang on trombone, and soprano Kristy Ochs, who is the elementary music teacher.
“Music education is important because it teaches you how to live,” Thomas said. “This is a great opportunity for parents and the community to see what we do outside of the school capacity.”