Cosgrove Band shares talents with Manhattan students

Just after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Cosgrove Middle School band students in Spencerport, began a practice-a-thon to raise funds for the relief effort. Students learned that several schoolchildren in the World Trade Center vicinity were evacuated from their schools and they did not return to them for many months. One of those schools was middle school, IS #89. Since their music program is funded by the PTA, musicians and staff decided that the $1,000 practice-a-thon funds should be directed toward the music program at that school.

Over time, it seemed possible that more could be done than just donate funds. They befriended the music teachers, principals and students at IS 89; and, decided to offer talents and treasures to them by performing a concert and presenting workshops in New York. The concert, free and open to the public, would feature performances by the Cosgrove Concert Band, the IS 89 band and a combined performance of both groups. The event is named Music for Manhattan.

In addition, the group will premiere a new band selection composed by Larry Neeck, a band director at Willink Middle School in Webster who has been working with the Concert Band through the support of The Commission Project, Ned Corman, director. During the trip to New York City, Neeck will present a workshop on music composition for all students. Many student-composed selections may be performed at the workshop as well.

To make "Music for Manhattan" a reality, additional support from the community is needed. Band students will be raising funds through a variety of means. The first two projects, the Krispy Kreme donut sale on September 28 and the car wash on October 5, were extremely successful, thanks to the managers of Wal-Mart on Ridge Road, the Red Apple shop at Elmgrove Road and the McDonald's on Route 31 near Route 259.

The primary fundraiser will be a Rock and Pop Concert on Wednesday, November 6, at Spencerport High School East Gym (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.) Featured performers include all Cosgrove bands and a benefit appearance of NikLite, a production of Nik and the Nice Guys, Inc. Community members will be invited to play along for a small registration fee. Tickets are now on sale in four Spencerport Schools: Bernabi, Munn, Taylor and Cosgrove. Pre-sale tickets: $5 single tickets, $15 for an immediate family of 4 to 6 people. All tickets at the door are $7. Also featured will be a silent auction, "Music for Manhattan" apparel, and food.

For information, contact Dr. Marcia Bornhurst Parkes, Cosgrove band director at 349-5050 ext. 6337 or send email to mparkes@spencerportschools.org.