DEAR EDITOR:
Californians are constantly reminded of the budget crisis and
concerned about the cuts that may occur to programs that are near
and dear to us. Education is one of the most vital components in
that crisis and within that is music.
DEAR EDITOR:
Californians are constantly reminded of the budget crisis and concerned about the cuts that may occur to programs that are near and dear to us. Education is one of the most vital components in that crisis and within that is music. I commend The Dispatch for their coverage of the music programs at Gilroy High School. For hundreds of students, participation in the color guard, the various bands and the choir is the most important part of their high school experience.
Our community is very fortunate to have Phil Robb (choirs) and Joey Fortino (bands/color guard) lead the music programs. Through their expertise, dedication and massive amount of time given beyond school hours they have provided their students with skills and memories that will last a lifetime. These have been based on the principal that excellence is achieved through hard work and commitment.
We are fortunate to have a music department at a time when music is being eliminated at many schools. Parents, friends and the community play a vital role in the success of these programs and their activities beyond the classroom. As a parent I am deeply grateful for all the support our students have received.
This year, as they do every year, the marching band and color guard are currently participating in the field competition season. Transportation, uniforms, instruments, repairs and many other necessities are largely paid for by funds raised by boosters and donations from the community (businesses and individuals). All of the bands benefit from those funds.
This year, for the first time, the chamber singers (Gilroy High’s honor choir), will have the opportunity of a lifetime when they travel to Germany (various cities, including Berlin, Dresden and Leipzig) and Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, during spring break. This will be a performance tour, providing these talented students the opportunity to sing at various venues. Each student must raise $2,500.
Both the chamber singers and the band and color guard began their fundraising during the summer. They are working with e-scrip through Safeway and PW and the new Q-card at Nob Hill. Each program is of absolutely no cost to you but of great benefit to the program. The Chamber Singers are currently selling See’s candy (deadline to order is Nov. 7) which will be delivered in time for the holidays. They will also be having various fundraising activities into the new year.
If you would like to help the band (marching band, jazz bands, symphonic, wind ensemble)/color guard program or the chamber singers) please call a student you know in either organization or contact Phil Robb (847-2424, ext. 2288) or Joey Fortino (847-2424, 8586) and ask how you can support these gifted, hardworking students.
And, just a reminder – this Saturday (Oct. 25), GHS hosts the 11th Annual Marching Band and Color Guard Competition, an evening of wonderful music and dance performed by hundreds of students from the Bay Area. The San Jose State Marching Spartans will dazzle the crowd in an exhibition performance. Gates open at 5 p.m. and competition begins promptly at 6 p.m. in Mustang Stadium. We hope to see you all there!
Arcelia “Arti” O’Connor, Gilroy
Submitted Wednesday, Oct. 22 to ed****@****ic.com
