As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, it is time to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. It’s also time for family, joyous decor, gatherings with friends, and gift giving. With kids nowadays, it’s getting harder and harder to give meaningful gifts. So, think about giving them something more than “a thing”, like creating memories together or investing in experiences they can use throughout their lives: trips, craft-making, camps, language lessons, dance lessons, music lessons. Also, as one wise person once said: you can’t spell heart, without art! So in that spirit, I turned your attention to The Joy of Music School and its commitment to provide free music education to children who otherwise would be deprived of an essential life component: art. If you are in the Knoxville, TN area, consider The Joy of Music School’s upcoming event, Holiday Sparkles and Spirits. Allow me to share with you the press release about this December event:
Holiday Sparkles & Spirits to Benefit The Joy of Music School
Event Will Feature Performance by Children’s Choir, Unbeatable Gift Shopping
KNOXVILLE, TN — Friends and supporters of The Joy of Music School are invited to a magical evening Friday, Dec. 9, from 6-10 p.m., at Cherokee Mills in the heart of Knoxville. It’s the sixth annual Holiday Sparkles & Spirits, benefiting The Joy of Music School.
Open the PDF file below to see event invite:
JOM11012 HolidaySparlkes 2011(1)
As always, the event will feature live and silent auctions of fine wine and beautiful jewelry from around the world. Byt there’s a new twist for 2011. Attendees at this year’s Holiday Sparkles & Spirits will also be able to bid on a wide variety of products and services in categories such arts and culture, travel, food, sports, home and garden and more. There is something for everyone on your list. And while you treat yourself and those you love, you will also be providing music lessons and instruments for local children who cannot otherwise afford them.
There will be a special performance by students in the Joy of Music School Youth Choir. They will be joined by a handful of young soloists from the School. “The kids are so excited about playing and singing at this terrific event,” said Francis Graffeo, Executive Director of The Joy of Music School. “Everyone here is getting in the holiday mood, from the students to teachers to the staff.”
Knoxville’s Superstition Quartet, a lively, all-women a cappella group, will also entertain guests at Holiday Sparkles & Spirits, performing a variety of songs in the four-part barbershop style.
The proceeds from sponsorships, ticket sales and all auction items will help underwrite the children’s studies at The Joy of Music School, a nonprofit organization that opens its doors to kids whose opportunities are limited by circumstances beyond their control, and allows them freely to enjoy the gift of music, and the benefit of a music education.
”Joy of Music School students are unique, talented youngsters who deserve our respect. They are taught by a volunteer music faculty whose devotion is at the heart of our operations. This event raises funds that ensure we can continue to put 75 teachers and 175 students together in weekly lessons and provide for everything their musical imaginations can create,” said Kurt Weiss, President of the Joy of Music School Board of Directors. “But more than that, we must do all we can do to reach the 80-plus kids on our waiting list.”
Tickets for the event are $75 per person before Nov. 20 and $85 per person after. They can be obtained by contacting the School at 865-525-6806.
The Joy of Music School provides free weekly lessons and instruments to disadvantaged and at-risk children. Young people, who would otherwise do without, learn, practice and play in a nurturing environment. Founded in 1998, the School believes that all young people should have the opportunity to experience and create music regardless of income.
Holiday Sparkles & Spirits –a benefit for The Joy of Music School
Friday, December 9, 6-10 p.m.
Cherokee Mills – 2200-2800 Sutherland Ave., Knoxville (free, convenient parking)
$75 per person before Nov. 20, $85 after (includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine)
Contact the Joy of Music School today to reserve your tickets.
Francis Graffeo, Executive Director
(865) 525-6806 / graffeo@joyofmusicschool.org
Oana Dance 