Hello MSA families and teachers,

 

Thank you to all of you who performed in the Japan Relief Benefit Concert. As you can see from the attached letter, the funds were distributed to Suzuki families affected and to general relief. Most importantly, we showed our connection and love for the Japanese people. They really appreciate that. A total of $1686 was raised! $866 was from donations taken at the door and $820 was from T shirt sales, generously donated by NESI.

 

It was held on Sunday, June 26th,  a joint effort between NESI and MSA in place of the traditional play–in on opening night of NESI. Many thanks also to Naoto Kobayashi for his presentation during the concert, Dick Noyes for leading the cellos, Nathan Kolosko for leading the guitars and to both Malgosia Lis and Chiharu Naruse for leading the pianos. The entire NESI faculty participated in the event as well. There were close to 140 students participating (with around 20 from MSA, some who travelled from more than an hour away just for the concert ). Channel 13 news came and did some filming as well as an interview. Prior, print publicity and a clip on 207 went out as well as posters. (Thanks to Margot Stiassni and St. Joseph's College for poster design!) Donations were taken at the door. Water bottles were passed out to those who donated.

 

The concert was a wonderful collaboration between New England Suzuki Institute, MSA and St. Joseph’s College. St. Joseph’s donated their gymnasium and staff who were very helpful. You were all amazing! You had practiced your music and it sounded beautiful without rehearsal!!! The performance of The Swan by the cellists was especially heartfelt and touching. It was really awesome to hear all the different groups of instruments playing together – cellists, violinists, pianists and guitarists! A testament to Suzuki! Yeah!

 

Sincerely,

Betsy Kobayashi and Wendy Sawicki