NEWS & NOTES
It's been a great year! Thanks in most part to our amazing sponsors and a great Cantonstock event, we were able to fund most all of the requests brought to us by the Canton Public Schools Performing Arts Department. As you'll see, that money was spent on a wide variety of items and events across all the schools. Please scroll down to read the year end recap for even more details!
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2018 June - End of 2018-18 School Year Recap!
2017-18 School Year Recap
The purpose of MusicCounts! is to raise money and spend it in support of music in the Canton schools, so we wanted to give you an update on fundraising and how MC! put your donations to work.
MC! receives donations from businesses, individual donations, raffles and donations at concerts, and of course, from Cantonstock. (Thanks to your support from student pledges, raffles, arcade, silent auction, merchandise sales and more, Cantonstock raised more than half the total MC! income this year.) Mark your calendars now, folks – Cantonstock 2018, Saturday, November 3!
MC!’s board has the fun job of deciding how our donations can support music education in the schools. This year, in addition to the expenses MC! typically covers each year (accompanist fees, piano tunings, donations to provide scholarships to Canton students to take private lessons thru ENCORE, and the concert programs that feature our sponsors' ads), our goal was to support the purchase of equipment and instruments, educational events, and special presentations, across all age groups.
With your donations, MC! purchased instruments and equipment including the first-ever preschool curriculum at the Rodman, elementary school chorus risers, ukuleles for the GMS general music classes, and music lab equipment at CHS. Along with the Bank of Canton, the CHS Alumni Association and anonymous donors, MC! purchased upgraded LED lighting for the CHS auditorium; MC! also purchased sound equipment for the auditorium (those expenditures benefit every student musician who takes the stage, as well as all who use the auditorium throughout the community). Donations to MC! bought sheet music for the student-run CHS Chamber Orchestra Club, and for the GMS chorus. Your donations also sponsored student performances at regional and state competitions, the annual GMS chorus and orchestra performance at the State House, and dinner for year-end music celebrations for CHS and elementary school kids here at home.
Best of all, your donations to MC! brought several special presentations to our kids’ schools:
We will be posting about MC!’s expenditures this school year at our website; check it out for the latest information and ways you can support music education in Canton.
Your support of the music program in Canton really made a difference this year ... we hope you feel great about the ways your donations boosted music education throughout the Canton schools! We’re looking forward to a great 2018-19, and we hope you join us to continue making music count in Canton.
Thanks from the entire MC! Board,
Cindy Baran
The purpose of MusicCounts! is to raise money and spend it in support of music in the Canton schools, so we wanted to give you an update on fundraising and how MC! put your donations to work.
MC! receives donations from businesses, individual donations, raffles and donations at concerts, and of course, from Cantonstock. (Thanks to your support from student pledges, raffles, arcade, silent auction, merchandise sales and more, Cantonstock raised more than half the total MC! income this year.) Mark your calendars now, folks – Cantonstock 2018, Saturday, November 3!
MC!’s board has the fun job of deciding how our donations can support music education in the schools. This year, in addition to the expenses MC! typically covers each year (accompanist fees, piano tunings, donations to provide scholarships to Canton students to take private lessons thru ENCORE, and the concert programs that feature our sponsors' ads), our goal was to support the purchase of equipment and instruments, educational events, and special presentations, across all age groups.
With your donations, MC! purchased instruments and equipment including the first-ever preschool curriculum at the Rodman, elementary school chorus risers, ukuleles for the GMS general music classes, and music lab equipment at CHS. Along with the Bank of Canton, the CHS Alumni Association and anonymous donors, MC! purchased upgraded LED lighting for the CHS auditorium; MC! also purchased sound equipment for the auditorium (those expenditures benefit every student musician who takes the stage, as well as all who use the auditorium throughout the community). Donations to MC! bought sheet music for the student-run CHS Chamber Orchestra Club, and for the GMS chorus. Your donations also sponsored student performances at regional and state competitions, the annual GMS chorus and orchestra performance at the State House, and dinner for year-end music celebrations for CHS and elementary school kids here at home.
Best of all, your donations to MC! brought several special presentations to our kids’ schools:
- In October 2017, MC!, CHS Drama and CHS English department brought the Bay Colony Shakespeare Company to give a performance and presentation about Macbeth for music, drama and 11th grade students.
- In May 2018, MC! sponsored two seminars for GMS students, by professional musicians.
- In March 2018, MC! partnered with the CHS Language department to bring the band "Latin Logic" to CHS for World Language Week. Latin Logic gave a day’s worth of seminars about music and salsa dance to all CHS language and music students; an after-school master class for CHS and GMS musicians; and an evening performance open to the whole town. This was just a great collaboration; CHS Spanish students introduced the band, CHS and GMS kids played on stage with some of the region’s best musicians, and all who attended were dancing in the aisles!
We will be posting about MC!’s expenditures this school year at our website; check it out for the latest information and ways you can support music education in Canton.
Your support of the music program in Canton really made a difference this year ... we hope you feel great about the ways your donations boosted music education throughout the Canton schools! We’re looking forward to a great 2018-19, and we hope you join us to continue making music count in Canton.
Thanks from the entire MC! Board,
Cindy Baran
2018 April - Another Thank You to Music Counts from the CPS Superintendent!
We received a request from the Canton Performing Arts Department to fund a Mac Book laptop to be used as a soundboard in the auditorium to enhance performances. We gladly approved, and received this recognition for it!
2018 February - Latin Logic Coming to Canton on Tuesday, March 6th!
MusicCounts! Supporters: As promised in our last update, we can now update you on a terrific event that your donations make possible! MusicCounts! is thrilled to partner with the Canton High School performing arts and language departments to bring the band "Latin Logic" to CHS for assemblies, seminars, and a FREE all-ages show on Tuesday, March 6, 7:00 p.m., in the CHS auditorium. The concert is open to the public ... and there will be a dance floor in the pit for all to join in!
This is just the way we love to put your donations to work - to bring an acclaimed band to perform for our students and town and help CHS facilitate cross-department collaboration for all students. Thank you! Please pass this on to all who might be interested in a fun evening. Be sure to put this event on your calendar, and bring your young musicians along! Read on for more info:
CHS and schools nationwide are preparing for World Language Week, in which students celebrate the cultures of the countries whose languages they're learning. The CHS language and performing arts departments invited "Latin Logic" to give a fantastic three-part program.
"Latin Logic" is led by Manolo Mairena and Angel Subero. Mairena is a New England based vocalist and percussionist who originally hails from Costa Rica. He is active on the Boston music scene, having played with the best bands in the New England area. Mairena joined forces with his long-time friend, Angel Subero, a trombone player originally from Venezuela, who performs with the Boston Pops, the BSO and is a music professor at the Boston Conservatory. Mairena and Subero are joined by some of the most talented Latin music specialists on the East Coast. Together they have created a group that will present a performance that will move the audience to dance. The performance will include Latin rhythms from Son Montuno, Bolero, and Salsa with the influence of contemporary Cuban music. "Latin Logic" will play a variety of music from many Spanish-speaking countries, including, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Columbia, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
This is just the way we love to put your donations to work - to bring an acclaimed band to perform for our students and town and help CHS facilitate cross-department collaboration for all students. Thank you! Please pass this on to all who might be interested in a fun evening. Be sure to put this event on your calendar, and bring your young musicians along! Read on for more info:
CHS and schools nationwide are preparing for World Language Week, in which students celebrate the cultures of the countries whose languages they're learning. The CHS language and performing arts departments invited "Latin Logic" to give a fantastic three-part program.
- First, Latin Logic and Latin dance specialist Elizabeth Pabon will give two all-school assemblies during the school day at CHS to perform, dance and talk about the role of music and dance in Latin culture.
- Second, the band and Ms. Pabon will give an after-school seminar especially for CHS musicians and dancers to play and dance with the band. The two daytime events are exclusive for Canton Public Schools students.
- Last, "Latin Logic" will perform at an all-ages show open to the public. CHS musicians and dancers will join in, and all are welcome to dance along.
"Latin Logic" is led by Manolo Mairena and Angel Subero. Mairena is a New England based vocalist and percussionist who originally hails from Costa Rica. He is active on the Boston music scene, having played with the best bands in the New England area. Mairena joined forces with his long-time friend, Angel Subero, a trombone player originally from Venezuela, who performs with the Boston Pops, the BSO and is a music professor at the Boston Conservatory. Mairena and Subero are joined by some of the most talented Latin music specialists on the East Coast. Together they have created a group that will present a performance that will move the audience to dance. The performance will include Latin rhythms from Son Montuno, Bolero, and Salsa with the influence of contemporary Cuban music. "Latin Logic" will play a variety of music from many Spanish-speaking countries, including, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Columbia, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
2018 February - Great Letter to MC! from The Canton Public Schools Superintendent!
We were so thrilled to receive this letter we wanted to share it with everyone!
2018 February - Feb Meeting Recap and Requests!
Hi, MC! supporters: wanted to update you all after the February MC! meeting, about a couple neat things you can help with.
First, one of the fun events at Cantonstock is the musical arcade -- music-themed carnival games for kids to play in between performances. The games are wearing out ... so MC! is collaborating with the Construction Design class at CHS to get new ones. The Construction Design students will brainstorm, design, construct and deliver new games this semester, in time for next fall's biggest fundraiser. The games will have a musical theme. If you have an instrument or two that's past its musical life (think used recorders from elementary school, the plastic clarinet or dented trumpet from marching band that's sat in the attic for 20+ years, extra drumsticks, an old ukulele, or even noisemakers) consider donating them to be incorporated into a carnival game that will raise money for music education in Canton.
Second, as you know, the Canton Alliance for Public Education annual spelling bee is coming up, on March 23. Platinum MC! sponsor Randolph Animal Hospital has offered to pay the entry fee for the MC! team ... but we need a couple more spellers to complete the 5-adult team. Stakes are low, time commitment even lower, it's a fun event, and another great way to support education in Canton.
If you have an instrument to donate, or if you can join us at the CAPE spelling bee, just contact us via the link on our website (and stay tuned for more news about ways your donations are supporting music education in Canton!)
Thanks,
Cindy Baran
(President, MusicCounts!)
First, one of the fun events at Cantonstock is the musical arcade -- music-themed carnival games for kids to play in between performances. The games are wearing out ... so MC! is collaborating with the Construction Design class at CHS to get new ones. The Construction Design students will brainstorm, design, construct and deliver new games this semester, in time for next fall's biggest fundraiser. The games will have a musical theme. If you have an instrument or two that's past its musical life (think used recorders from elementary school, the plastic clarinet or dented trumpet from marching band that's sat in the attic for 20+ years, extra drumsticks, an old ukulele, or even noisemakers) consider donating them to be incorporated into a carnival game that will raise money for music education in Canton.
Second, as you know, the Canton Alliance for Public Education annual spelling bee is coming up, on March 23. Platinum MC! sponsor Randolph Animal Hospital has offered to pay the entry fee for the MC! team ... but we need a couple more spellers to complete the 5-adult team. Stakes are low, time commitment even lower, it's a fun event, and another great way to support education in Canton.
If you have an instrument to donate, or if you can join us at the CAPE spelling bee, just contact us via the link on our website (and stay tuned for more news about ways your donations are supporting music education in Canton!)
Thanks,
Cindy Baran
(President, MusicCounts!)
2018 January - MMEA All State Auditions
Congratulations to our 3 CHS students who participated in the MMEA All-State Auditions in January. Left to Right are Cameron Delerme (Voice), Justin Luk (violin), and Brandon Pho (Flute)
2017 December - Winter Concert Video
Click the icon to view a video playlist from the December Canton High School Winter Concert. Thanks to Morris Luk for sharing with us!
12/15/17 - End of Semester Email Update
MC! Members: Hello with some music news as the semester closes!
Tuesday, December 19, 7:00 p.m.: Winter Concert at CHS. The band, orchestra and choruses invite all to attend the year-end holiday concert. This year, you're invited to dust off that instrument in the closet and join in on stage, or just sing along in the audience, to "Sleigh Ride" at the close of the concert. They'll have lyrics for all, and sheet music for musicians on stage. Bring your little kids so they can see what they'll be able to do in a few years!
The teachers and MC! can use a hand to distribute programs at the January school concerts; if you can assist at any of these, please respond to this email and we'll be in touch with specifics as the date approaches.
We made some great funding decisions at the January MC! meeting. Your donations to MC! will support the following expenses:
No January MC! meeting - but join us on Monday, February 5, at 7:00 pm, at the CHS teacher's lounge, for the next meeting. Please continue to check the website, Facebook and Twitter for the latest MC! news.
Thank you again, and have a wonderful holiday season.
Tuesday, December 19, 7:00 p.m.: Winter Concert at CHS. The band, orchestra and choruses invite all to attend the year-end holiday concert. This year, you're invited to dust off that instrument in the closet and join in on stage, or just sing along in the audience, to "Sleigh Ride" at the close of the concert. They'll have lyrics for all, and sheet music for musicians on stage. Bring your little kids so they can see what they'll be able to do in a few years!
The teachers and MC! can use a hand to distribute programs at the January school concerts; if you can assist at any of these, please respond to this email and we'll be in touch with specifics as the date approaches.
- GMS: January 9, (evening) at CHS
- GMS Small Ensemble Concert: January 19 (evening) at the CHS Library
- Each elementary school concert will take place during the school day: Hansen, January 5; JFK, January 9; Luce, January 17.
We made some great funding decisions at the January MC! meeting. Your donations to MC! will support the following expenses:
- Tuning the pianos at each school;
- Funding accompanists at each school concert;
- Paying fees for 15 student musicians who won a spot at senior and junior District competitions;
- Choral risers for the JFK;
- A Macbook computer to help with the sound system in the CHS auditorium, which will benefit the concerts, plays and musicals put on by each school;
- Three sets each of a computer and audio keyboard, and electric piano keyboards and stands, for the CHS music tech and piano classes, to permit more kids to take these classes.
No January MC! meeting - but join us on Monday, February 5, at 7:00 pm, at the CHS teacher's lounge, for the next meeting. Please continue to check the website, Facebook and Twitter for the latest MC! news.
Thank you again, and have a wonderful holiday season.
11/10/17 - Cantonstock recap Email
Email sent 11/10 to all MusicCounts! supporters:
We wanted to update you now that we've had a minute to catch our breath and count up the cash boxes ... thanks to support from every kid who raised student sponsorships (and of course the parents and family who sponsored performances!), music parents who rushed their kids from music to soccer and on to the next activity, local businesses, CHS and adult volunteers, the wonderful musicians who played all afternoon - and of course the hard work and enthusiasm of the Canton music teachers - Cantonstock raised more than $16,000 to benefit music education in Canton! Wow!
You know what comes next - deciding how to spend that money to support all music teachers and students in the public schools.
So far this year, MusicCounts! has marshaled all of your donations to:
1) join with CHSAA, Canton High School Theatre, Bank of Canton and generous anonymous donors to purchase new auditorium lights for the CHS stage where every musician will perform;
2) purchase amps and pickups for string players at the Hansen;
3) purchase new ukeleles to support the GMS general music program;
4) join with Canton High School Theatre and the English Department at Canton High School to bring The Bay Colony Shakespeare Company to CHS;
5) purchase sheet music for a dedicated group of chamber musicians at CHS who've started their own club to play and perform (how cool is that?); and
6) fund ENCORE scholarships for kids to take private lessons when it's not in the family budget.
We've approved expenses to support GMS Chorus in its annual trip to perform at the State House, and we expect some requests for funding the new music program at the Rodman preschool, too.
We couldn't be happier to coordinate all of your support for music education in Canton! Do you have great ideas for where we should spend money next? Let's keep this going! Join us for our next meeting - Wednesday, December 6, at CHS teachers' lounge. Email us your great ideas, too! Thanks!
We wanted to update you now that we've had a minute to catch our breath and count up the cash boxes ... thanks to support from every kid who raised student sponsorships (and of course the parents and family who sponsored performances!), music parents who rushed their kids from music to soccer and on to the next activity, local businesses, CHS and adult volunteers, the wonderful musicians who played all afternoon - and of course the hard work and enthusiasm of the Canton music teachers - Cantonstock raised more than $16,000 to benefit music education in Canton! Wow!
You know what comes next - deciding how to spend that money to support all music teachers and students in the public schools.
So far this year, MusicCounts! has marshaled all of your donations to:
1) join with CHSAA, Canton High School Theatre, Bank of Canton and generous anonymous donors to purchase new auditorium lights for the CHS stage where every musician will perform;
2) purchase amps and pickups for string players at the Hansen;
3) purchase new ukeleles to support the GMS general music program;
4) join with Canton High School Theatre and the English Department at Canton High School to bring The Bay Colony Shakespeare Company to CHS;
5) purchase sheet music for a dedicated group of chamber musicians at CHS who've started their own club to play and perform (how cool is that?); and
6) fund ENCORE scholarships for kids to take private lessons when it's not in the family budget.
We've approved expenses to support GMS Chorus in its annual trip to perform at the State House, and we expect some requests for funding the new music program at the Rodman preschool, too.
We couldn't be happier to coordinate all of your support for music education in Canton! Do you have great ideas for where we should spend money next? Let's keep this going! Join us for our next meeting - Wednesday, December 6, at CHS teachers' lounge. Email us your great ideas, too! Thanks!
11/9/17 - Canton Citizen Features Pictures from Cantonstock!
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9/5/17 - Canton Journal Features Article on one of our MusicCounts Members
The 9/5/17 edition of the Canton Journal featured a nice article about Melanie Brooks, one of our MusicCounts! members. Click the file below to read it!
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3/10/17 - Irish Night Fundraiser
In 2017, we held a fun and successful "Irish Night" fundraiser, which helped to finance the purchase of a new Grand Piano for the CHS auditorium!
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