On April 2, we held our 8th Local Vocal Chord Bowl at Amherst Regional High School, and, once again, it was a huge success and a win for our community!
The 2016 profits matched the $6,000 raised last year, when we were able to contribute to the purchase of a piano for ARHS and new keyboards for a music composition class at NHS, among other items across the grades.
This year’s profit will once again be divided between the Northampton and Amherst school systems and earmarked for music. We want to thank the Amherst Cultural Council for their generous grant, and our sponsors, Florence Bank and Amherst Insurance, for their support, as well as the many local businesses that advertised in our program, discounted services and provided food and water donations for backstage and intermission.
Their help set the stage for a stellar event. We give heartfelt thanks to the nine a cappella groups — high school, college and adult — that performed that night to a packed audience. They all gave stunning performances!
And finally thanks to our local community from both sides of the river for coming out to enjoy the evening, and for their additional donations. It was a wonderful testament to the importance of supporting the arts in our educational programs!
Ann & Greg Chiara
Ellen Augarten
Roxy Schneider
Amherst
The authors are organizers of the Local Vocal Chord Bowl.