NORTHFIELD — When Pioneer Valley Regional School’s Chorus Director Mandy Oliver received word that Pioneer’s chorus was invited to Washington, D.C., to perform in a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, she knew she wanted to make the trip possible for her students.
“This is really kind of a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Oliver said. “You’re never going to have a 50th anniversary of this ever again.”
Pioneer’s chorus, Oliver said, was selected to be part of the “American Musical Salute: Commemorating the Life of Martin Luther King Jr.” by Historic Programs, a nonprofit organization that commemorates the past. Pioneer’s chorus, she explained, is part of a database of qualified choral programs.
According to the Historic Programs’ invitation, the students will take part in a mass band and choir performance of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and “God Bless America” in a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial. The group was also invited to perform a 20-minute concert the following day, also at the Lincoln Memorial, featuring music of Oliver’s choosing.
But Oliver knew financing the three-day April 2018 trip wouldn’t be easy, with a cost of $650 per person. As of early November, 12 of the more than 40 students in her chorus hadn’t signed up for the trip because of the financial burden.
Hoping to offset the costs, Oliver is organizing a telethon fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Pioneer’s auditorium. Through the program, broadcast on Bernardston-Northfield Community Television (BNCTV) and through Facebook Live, community members can call 413-498-2931, ext. 220 to make monetary pledges, or watch in the auditorium for $10 per person.
Oliver said her goal is to raise between $15,000 and $20,000, which would bring trip costs down to around $400 per student.
The idea, she said, came from hearing a radio commercial about a telethon for Greenfield High School’s music program, when it was under the direction of Paul Calcari. Oliver subsequently asked Calcari for advice on how to organize a telethon at Pioneer.
Bobby Campbell, known as local DJ “Bobby C,” will emcee the event, which will include individual performances by students, alumni and families, as well as a group performance by the chorus, Oliver said. Campbell will also conduct interviews with some of the performances, she added.
Between now and Nov. 17, Oliver said 10 parents are canvassing the area for donations from local businesses, who will be advertised as sponsors during the telethon. Those interested in becoming sponsors are encouraged to call 413-498-2931, ext. 220.
Reach Shelby Ashline at:
sashline@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 257