Cape district music faculty to unite for Sept. 12 benefit concert

Cape district music teachers have banded together to bring their own talents to the stage for a worthy cause – their students.

Cape High choir director Marian Sunnergren devised the idea to have a faculty concert with proceeds to benefit district music programs, said Cape High band director Chris Burkhart. Over the summer, Sunnergren enlisted co-workers and booked an accompanist, Burkhart said.

Teachers practiced individually to get ready, Burkhart said, and are excited to perform before the school year really gets underway to help raise funds for student programs.  

“The recital will have a wide variety of music, ranging from show tunes and popular music to jazz and classical standards,” Burkhart said. “It should be a lot of fun.”

Cape High teachers performing are Chris Burkhart, trumpet; Marian Sunnergren, soprano; and Elly Rolfes, marimba. Participating from Beacon Middle are Rob Barbarita, saxophone; and Windsor Allen, soprano. From Mariner Middle are Brian Mahoney, guitar, vocals and percussion; and Kaitlin Colegrove, mezzo soprano. Representing Frederick D. Thomas Middle are Juleeann Schlitter, soprano; and Nick Greeson, saxophone.

H.O. Brittingham’s Heather Sadkowski will join in on clarinet, and Milton Elementary’s Zach Coffman will perform guitar, vocals and percussion. Augmenting the group are private instructor Terry Alvey, trumpet; Mirella Gable, horn in F, elementary band; and Zoe Stayman, horn in F, private instructor and marching band staff. Accompanists are David Libby and Julie Keefer.

The curtain rises at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Cape High theater. Donations will be accepted at the door with all proceeds going toward district music programs.