Help etc. Music School live on!
The amazing young artists of etc. Music School (www.etcmusicschool.org) in Evanston, IL. could use your help!
Some information on our programs that need help:
1. The etc. Choir is the cornerstone of the etc. Music School experience, and the main community performance and fundraising wing of the school.
The mission of the etc. Choir is to instill a love of vocal music within the ensemble through positive, focused rehearsals and to engage and support our communities through polished performance of eclectic and challenging repertoire.
We do wholly-original and innovative arrangements of music of all genres, from classical (and sort-of classical) to vocal jazz/blues, pop music, indie rock and more.
We perform everywhere, from in-school performances for younger students, to cafes and coffee houses for teens, to civic events supporting the community and retirement centers for seniors. The 13-20-year old artists of the group spend countless hours rehearsing and honing their skills on their own time, on their own weekends, in the hopes of spreading joy to others through music and community.
2. etc. Presents is our original works' musical theatre ensemble for student-artists aged 13-19. etc. Presents’ creations are main-stage, fully costumed/designed original musicals created with teens, for teens, about topics teens are interested in. We meet each week to rehearse a living, breathing new work each term, with the goal of challenging and inspiring our young artists to grow artistically and socially in a supportive environment.
Since our inception in 2013, the etc. Presents program has premiered 12 full-length two-act musicals ranging from zany comedy to poignant drama. Our students have gone from feeling they are 'outsiders' to thriving in their wider communities, starring in shows in high schools, colleges and beyond. But most importantly, our students have all found a loving and accepting home in etc. Music School, and their experiences in the etc. Presents program helped them form a positive identity for themselves for whatever life holds after our stage.
We are a small, independent music and theatrical training and performance community, just founded in August 2013, with well over half of our current student body on some kind of scholarship to assist with tuition for their lessons and ensembles.
As such, we do not have the funds currently available to us to pay for things like new recording equipment, new instruments to help accompany our shows and choir, pay for other professional artists to come and work with our students, and airfare and accommodations associated with touring by ourselves.
Here's where you come in!
Through your generosity, you can help these community-minded, creative, talented, incredible young people participate in tours and the artistic experience of a lifetime. Please consider donating!
For more information on etc. Music School, please visit our website at www.etcmusicschool.org or at our Facebook community page at www.facebook.com/etcmusicschool.
Thank you for visiting our page and for considering to help us with this dream!
- Mike O'Mara
Founder and Director, etc. Music School
