Westside schools fundraising concert makes a triumphant return
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, westside schools in Lethbridge School Division would come together each year to put on a fundraising concert.
The benefits from the free-will donations would go towards helping local soup kitchens. The concert also gave the public an opportunity to hear from choirs of all ages, across the various grade levels.
This month, the annual event made a comeback.
Because of the numbers of singers, it was a two-night event, held at Southminster United Church.
Tuesday night featured the Coalbanks Elementary School Junior and Senior Choirs, Mike Mountain Horse Elementary School Choir, Dr. Probe Elementary School Senior Choir, Chinook High School’s Women's Choir and Chinook’s Concert Choir. A mass piece at the end of the concert, where all voices sang together, brought to evening to a conclusion.
Wednesday, Southminster hosted Nicholas Sheran Elementary School’s Junior and Senior Sr. Choirs, the Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School Choir, the Chinook Grade 9 Choir, Chinook Men's Choir and Chinook Mixed Chamber Choir. Another mass piece at the end of the concert is planned for this evening as well.
Stephanie McFarlane, Choral and Musical Theatre teacher at Chinook High School, and one of the organizers of the concert, added the event is a unique experience for the singers.
“When I taught at Dr. Probe, the little students were always so inspired and in awe of the ‘big kids’ and their songs,” she said. “Now that I teach at Chinook, it's really neat to see how the ‘big kids’ want to encourage the younger students to continue to pursue their love of music. I really do value the gift that music is and the opportunities for our students to connect with each other on this profound level.”
The grand total received over the course of the two-night concert was $3,309.18.
Fundraising concert
