Playing for Parkersburg

That was the title of Thursday nite Tri-State Wind Symphony (TSWS) program, Playing for Parkersburg.

I'll let what was written on the program explain the choice of this theme. "On May 25, 2008, a category F5 tornado struck Parkersburg, Iowa and virtually destroyed the high school and a large part of the surrounding community. Massive rebuilding efforts are currently underway but the high school will not be completed until September 2009, when the long task of refurnishing facilities and replacing a music collection spanning many decades will undoubtedly continue for some time. All proceeds from tonight's performance will go directly to the Aplington-Parkersburg music program."

While the performance by the TSWS was excellent as usual, I want to focus on the situation in Parkersburg. Having been through a F5 tornado myself (Oelwein, 15 May 1968), I know the damage that a F5 can do. I also know that there have to be priorities because of limited funds that most school systems in Iowa have to deal with. & music programs aren't at or near the top of the list. They aren't even in the middle. & in a situation like this, even more so.

While getting homes, businesses & the school rebuilt are (& should be) the priorities, the music program can play an important part in getting things back to normal. Most, if not all, of the students in the bands & choirs are in them because music is an important part of their lives. They enjoy what they are doing. It has a positive effect on their lives in so many ways. & that effect carries over in so many ways to the rest of the community.

So, what I want to do is plug an effort to help rebuild the music program rebuilt.

Before I tell you how you can help, I think you should know what the money is needed for. The tornado destroyed & damaged 2 things, many of the instruments & the music collection. These need to be replaced. The instruments aren't that hard to replace. The music collection is a lot harder.

Most people think that when a new piece is purchased, 1 or 2 copies are purchased, duplicated & given to all the performers. It isn't that simple. When a piece is bought for a band they are buying a specific arrangement for the instruments for the type of band. The same is true for a vocal piece. (This is a very simplified explaination. If I haven't explained it as well as I shouldd, I apologize.)

& most schools don't just go out & buy a complete collection. These collections are built up over the years & decades as was said above. They add new pieces & dig out old pieces to perform again.

So, why don't they simply order a new set of all the music they lost? Again not so simple. Some pieces are out of print & are difficult to find. Some pieces were specially arranged for that school's music department. It will take time & money to track down & replace (if even possible) all the works they have lost.

That leads me to the purpose of this post, what you can do to help. A special fund has been set up to help the A-P HS rebuild its music program. To quote Brian Hughes "No amount is too large!"

May the check out to: A-P Music Promoters

memo line: HS Music Departments Tornado Relief

Mail to:

Melody Nevenhoven

Lincoln Savings Bank

932 Parriott Street

Aplingon, IA 50604

You can also call 1-866-235-2098

Contact: Crystal Bozza