Concerts for a Purpose

Ryan Lindley
Junior High/Middle School Choirs R & R Chair

Too often I found myself programming music for my middle school choirs that dealt with a specific topic like SEL, bullying, or a specific genre without engaging the students in the communities that we were singing about. Based on a project completed by Mrs. Bridget Duffy-Ulrich of Oshkosh North High School, I programmed a concert for a purpose. After a discussion with my students regarding how we fit in our community, they brought up an often forgotten group of people we see every day: our unhoused population. What came of the discussion was the concert title, “From Darkness to Light: A Journey of Hope.”

The concert programs a plethora of music that brings light to housing insecurity, community, and communities that do not reflect our own. While the music is important, I’ll never argue against that, the most important thing coming out of this project are the wonderful things the students and community are doing to make this a reality. We partnered with our local Day by Day Shelter that provides temporary housing and supplies for our unhoused community. We planned on doing a small GoFundMe of sorts and asking for non-perishable items. Instead, the community and the students have raised over $2,500 and have gotten many boxes full of donations! It has been an amazing outpouring of support and these items and funds are going to help a lot of people.

What this concert process has taught us is that through music, community, and hard work, students of all ages can make an incredible difference in their community. The next time you are programming your concerts, see if it ties into anything pertinent in your city or town. Food insecurity, housing insecurity, or marginalized communities. The possibilities are endless! If you need support or want to talk through ideas, I would love to be of service. My email is [email protected].