News
Concert will be held in Saint John on Dec. 11
By Jordan Gill, CBC News Posted: Dec 06, 2016 7:30 AM AT Last Updated: Dec 06, 2016 7:30 AM AT
Two Saint John organizations are banding together to raise money to fund music programs for the city's youth.
Sistema NB and the Calvary Temple Church are holding An Inner City Christmas Concert, a benefit concert for Sistema NB, which teaches kids to play classical instruments.
Chad Nickerson, the lead pastor at the Calvary Temple Church, said he first heard of Sistema through a friend in the school system and became interested in the group.
"As a person who learned instruments as a child, I have a personal interest in that as well, and I feel that's really important," Nickerson said.
Aaron McFarlane, director of the Saint John Sistema Centre, said having children learn an instrument has benefits beyond just the skill of being able to play one.
"Through learning to play that instrument, the dedication it takes to play that instrument, and also the soft skills you develop, like learning to play as a team and giving up some of your own independence for the good of a larger group," said McFarlane.
Guest musicians for the benefit include the Saint John String Quartet, John Higgins on pipe organ, Rose & Clayton Misner and Barbara Day on grand piano.
Takes lots of practice
McFarlane said the students have been working hard to prepare for the concert and are excited.
"We've partnered with Calvary Temple for the past several years now, and it's something that the kids ask about and get excited for every year," said McFarlane.
"Our students are excited to be playing and preparing."
McFarlane said Christmas is a busy time to plan a concert, but it's a fun time as well.
"It's fun to play Christmas music, to reach and touch so many people with music," he said.
"It's why we got into this in the first place."
The benefit concert will be held on Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. at the church at 83 Sydney St. Admission is free, but all profits from a goodwill offering will go to the Sistema program.
With files from Information Morning Saint John and Julia Wright
