Harmony Project Sooke is inviting supporters of music education to a “beer and burger” to help raise funds for music programs for youth in the Sooke area.
The beer and burger fundraiser will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion on Nov. 25 from 6-9 p.m.
HPS was founded by maestro Norman Nelson of the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, and is now in its second year of running both strings and drumline classes.
The strings class recently performed at a Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra concert.
Pamela Highbaugh-Aloni, who is cellist with the Lafayette String Quartet and a professor at the University of Victoria, observed the kids were set up well physically (referring to the left-hand position, bow hold, and basic playing skills), which is important for beginners. She also noted that they have the benefit of good quality instruments.
Anne McDougall, lead teacher for HPS, said: “It has always been the policy of the project to provide students with good instruments so they can enjoy playing them. The instruments sound better, last longer and need fewer repairs.”
The project’s inventory of instruments has been made possible by grants from various organizations including the Victoria Foundation, the District of Sooke, and MusiCounts with TD Bank.
The beer and burger fundraiser will help HPS to continue its programs and hopefully be able to mount a new beginning strings class for grades two and three students next year.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $20 per person and are available from board members and at the door. Menu alternatives include soft drinks, wine, chicken and veggie burgers, and gluten-free buns.
The evening will offer entertainment by young local musicians on guitars, drums, flutes and strings.
There will also be a live and silent auction of items donated by local businesses and organizations.
For more information, please go oonline to www.harmonyprojectsooke.ca.