In the spirit of the holidays, a student organization at Fredonia will raise funds for charity with a concert event.
The Fredonia Pops! Orchestra, a part of the student-run Media Music Collective, will present a free charity benefit concert titled “Let Music Ring!” on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.in Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall, located in Mason Hall on the Fredonia campus. The Media Music Collective is a Student Association organization.
While the concert is free, Tickets are required and will be available at the door. They are also available in advance online 24/7 at or in person on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center.
A basket raffle will precede the concert from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with all of the proceeds going to Dunkirk/Fredonia organizations including the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, the Fredonia Food Pantry, the Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County, and the Fredonia School of Music’s own Che Dixon, Boaz Mecham and Aaron Mecham.
“The holiday season is a season of giving, and community outreach has always been a mission of the Media Music Collective,” said Executive Director Alexandria Schuck. “Giving back to the community is the least we can do.”
Organizers say the concert will feature an “exciting mix” of holiday-themed music.
“We have classics, such as ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,’ and the pas de deux from ‘The Nutcracker,’ and we also have newer works like ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’ so there is a wide variety,” said Aidan Carney, music and arts director for the Media Music Collective.
Carney said the program will conclude with Joseph M. Martin’s “The Awakening,” which he describes as “a deeply inspirational piece to help our audience leave in the holiday spirit.”
Carney further noted that “Let Music Ring!” is intended to “bring folks together through music to support our community, and we believe that’s an incredibly special mission.”
“The team has worked diligently to support the Fredonia-Dunkirk community, and we couldn’t be prouder of them,” he said.
Schuck noted that the Pops! Orchestra is a new ensemble at Fredonia.
“People haven’t seen this group before and I’m hoping that the audience is able to feel the excitement and energy from this new group,” she said. “They have done an incredible job in rehearsals and I'm so excited for this ensemble to really kick off, and that the audience can leave appreciating their hard work.”
Schuck said those interested in supporting the Media Music Collective’s mission to support the greater Fredonia-Dunkirk community through music can donate to the Support Media Music Fund at the Fredonia College Foundation. Questions regarding the Media Music Collective may be directed to Schuck via email.
