The Colonial Middle School (CMS) Jazz Band recently performed for residents of Shannondell, a local retirement community. But the concert wasn’t simply entertainment; it was also a fundraiser for Musicopia.
Musicopia is a Philadelphia-area nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged children experience, learn, perform, and appreciate music. Seventh grader Davin Haley chose to raise money for Musicopia as his Bar Mitzvah project.
“I hope to give kids the opportunities that I have had with music,” said Davin, who plays alto sax in the CMS concert band, wind ensemble, and jazz band. “Music brings out the best in people, and I hope to raise money to positively impact a person’s life.”
Davin’s mother is a Medical Director at Shannondell, and the young musician asked CMS Band Director David O’Neill if the jazz band would be interested in playing for the senior citizens who live there. The jazz band was happy to oblige and even worked on additional tunes to perform at Shannondell to complement the music they regularly play in competition.
“The jazz band is a competitive group much like a sports team. Students are evaluated on their performance by judges and given a rating based on an ideal jazz band sound,” said Mr. O’Neill. “Today's concert was an opportunity for the jazz band to perform without the extra stress of being evaluated, as well as to share our love of music with others. We have a great music program, and it's nice to share it with the community.”
The concert collection contributed to the $1,800 total that Davin hopes to raise for Musicopia.