Wallkill Valley High School chorus plans fundraisers

HAMBURG — The Wallkill Valley Regional High School Chorus is holding a few fall fundraisers to help raise funds to attend a competitive music festival in Toronto, Canada.

Last year the Choir received several awards in the competitions they attended.

At the Music in the Parks festival in Dorney Park, the Advanced Choir, Women s Ensemble, Acapella Fellas, and Valley voices all received Superior/Gold ratings. The Women's Ensemble also received the Grand Champion award for being the highest scoring choir of the day. At the Big Apple Classic, the Acapella Fellas and Valley voices received Silver awards and the Advanced Choir earned the highest score, receiving the Grand Champion Award.

"I believe it is important for students to experience choir festivals first and foremost to perform," group director Christine Molnar said. "Second, to be able to work with professional judges. Students get the chance to showcase their talent and do a working clinic with another music teacher/professor besides myself. As a bonus, students get to compete with other schools from around the nation. It is a learning experience to see other ensembles perform and see how you rank among them. I feel it is important for the students to travel because most of my students don't get the chance to leave the county let alone the state! Letting kids experience these trips opens them up to so many new events and cultures. They learn life lessons, and make everlasting memories with a group they call their 'second family.' These students work year round to raise money, learn and perfect their music, work together, become a team, and make beautiful music. These trips are for more than the music, it is a life experience they will never forget.

To help finance the trip, the Choir will hold various fundraisers throughout the year, and will have a garage sale in the school parking lot at 10 Grumm Road in Hamburg on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Individuals wishing to donate can drop off at the school choir room during school hours, and those wishing to rent space to sell, can do so for $20.00 by contacting Ms. Molnar at (973) 827-4100.

In addition, the group will hold a Broadway Night of song and entertainment on Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door and donations are always welcome.