On the count of three, say: “Rock On!”
By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder
Monday, May 5 2008
In last week’s Sounder story “Gabriolans to make school music program rock,” we told you about Terry Hedges plans, starting with “2008 Rock Star of Gabriola,” being staged at the White Hart Pub on Saturday, May 24th.
We didn’t mention that there are $1,000 in prizes. Didn’t have to. More than 12 people had signed entry forms at press time, plenty for a show that will be much more entertaining than American Idol, or Canadian Idol, whatever, trust us.
We will meet some of the rock star wannabees in upcoming issues.
Some will say the idea has a sour note in it. “Not another fundraiser!” they will moan. “Isn’t the government taking care of the music program?”
The short answers are: “Yes” and “No.”
When Gabriolans turned thumbs down to bigger government, the community took on responsibilities and fund-raising increased. But this is fundraising of, by and for us.
As we all know and have been warned for years, governments have cut arts funding to the bone, if not the marrow. The chickens are coming home to roost, scrawny and decidedly not range-free.
But here on the Isle of the Arts sheer genius is also afoot and in full flight. Artists are banding together to create unique artistic performance showcases for ticket prices that are a small fraction of what you would pay virtually anywhere else, in the highly unlikely event that sort of opportunity were possible elsewhere.
The result is you are getting entertainment bargains and a front row seat to the legendary talent on Gabriola.
And think about this - by buying a ticket you are reducing your future taxes.
As well, the money is going directly into the hands of the folks who know how to put it to the best possible use, not governments or bureaucrats who don’t, end of song.
For example, money raised by parents and writers went directly to the library and you won’t believe the difference that made, which will also be the subject of a future Sounder feature.
Mr. Hedges’ ambitious plans are music to the ears of music teacher Rose Topp who is one of the Rock Star judges along with Kathy McIntyre - which again is much more than enough for a really big show.
“We got some funds from the Parent Advisory Committee to start a drum program and the students love it,” reported Topp. “But there is no more money.
“For example we have a hand-made wooden xylophone and the teacher who made it was here recently and sanded it down and tuned it up for now,” she continued. “That’s about it for musical instruments.”
Unlike students in many parts of the world Gabriola Elementary students don’t have access to simple, inexpensive sound technology that has transformed music and music education.
Topp would like some modest risers so everyone doesn’t have to sit on the floor when performers - including the likes of Leon Bibb - show up in the school gym and also to get our children clapping, singing and thinking about taking the stage.
Maybe a microphone so the audience can hear and a few lights so they can also see.
It’s not expensive, or as George W. Bush says “rocket surgery,” and all you have to do is put down a few bucks in return for having the time of your life in community celebrations.
Writers showed the way, now it is the musicians’ turn. And we can’t wait to enjoy the youth of this island performing for the cause. Hedges has a contest for the kids up his sleeve, a Battle of the Bands, a street dance and the like.
Everyone now knows what Terry Hedges is up to and what he looks like. His E-mail address once again is: deleriumdark@hotmail.com.
Roll over Beethoven and on with the show. Stay tuned.
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