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01/23/2024 01:29 PMThe Guilford High School (GHS) Music Department will mount its annual benefit show for Meals on Wheels (MOW) on Friday, Feb. 9, at GHS. This event, which is now entering its fourth decade, has become a treasured performance for students and staff, according to GHS Music Department Coordinator Mark Gahm.
Gahm said this year’s event will build on last year’s innovations with an even more encompassing atmosphere that includes multiple performance areas and song genres.
“The GHS Music department has been performing an annual concert to benefit Meals-on-Wheels for more than 30 years now, but last year, we decided we wanted to make the evening more of a signature event that would attract a larger audience and raise more money for this worthy cause. To do this, we have tried to be more creative with our programming, as well as with our use of the wonderful facility that we have at Guilford High School,” Gahm said. “Instead of performances only taking place on the stage, we are spreading out into the audience and even into the commons, allowing the audience to get up close to the wonderful music being made by our students.”
According to Gahm, the event will expand the musical selections with a theme focused on “stage and screen.”
“Last year’s concert, which was our first attempt at this new expanded event, was a huge success, and we are hoping to build on that this year with a program we are calling ‘Songs of Stage and Screen.’ The evening will encompass music from the opera, Broadway, and the cinema, all performed by Guilford High School’s most select musical ensembles: the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Voices, and Jazz Ensemble. One of the most exciting things for my colleagues and I about this program is the opportunity to collaborate. So many of the selections we are performing will feature combined efforts from these groups of students,” Gahm said.
According to organizers, food and music will go hand in hand for concert-goers. During portions of the concert that take place in the commons, audience members will be able to enjoy light refreshments and desserts donated by local community members and businesses, including Pasta Avest, Star Fish Market, Mary’s Culinary Classes, and “Town Chef” Larry Santamaria, Gahm said.
Meals on Wheels is overseen by Guilford Interfaith Volunteers (GIV), which also operates Charlie’s Closet and assists with the food bank. According to Meals on Wheels Director and GIV Executive Director Christi Burton, the event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the organization and critical to its ability to provide services.
“Last year’s event was our biggest fundraiser yet. It brings together Guilford’s young adults, helping the Guilford senior community. Both the students and the instructors work so hard to make this event a special one,” said Burton.
Gahm said participating students relish the chance to give back to their community just as much as they love performing.
“Our students really enjoy the opportunity to support the Meals-on-Wheels program. We are lucky to be living in a community that supports the arts — and, in particular, the music program in our schools, and this fundraising event is just a small way for us to give something back. Meals on Wheels is an organization that cares for all those in our community who need a helping hand. These are our friends, neighbors, and family members, and we know that every dollar we help to raise will make life easier for those we love. It is an honor to be able to support such a wonderful organization,” Gahm said.
Admission is free to all. Light refreshments and desserts are available. All proceeds benefit Guilford Meals on Wheels.