Catch up with old friends, and raise money for musicians and their families who are battling cancer.

You spent many years making and sharing your love of music at Conemaugh Township. Now it’s time to get together and do it again!

Band Instructor Suzette Gardenhour and Choral Instructor Mari Grace put together this first-ever Conemaugh Township Music Alumni Concert and fundraiser for the Music Makes us Stronger Fund. The fund supports Conemaugh Township students, music alumni, music alumni’s children, or the members of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s District 6 (Somerset, Cambria, Blair and Bedford counties) who experience cancer.

Suzette created the fund after her own battle with cancer, which started in October 2106. She says it was her turn to make a difference in her community because “I personally experienced the love, kindness, and thoughtfulness of our Conemaugh township Community. Their support was an uplifting force in helping me through my journey.”

Suzette established the Music Makes us Stronger Fund with money that had generously been collected for her by the cast and crew of the school’s 2017 musical “Annie Get your Gun.”

This Music Reunion and Fundraiser is intended to be an annual event, providing ongoing support to the fund. The Conemaugh Township Music Department will designate an individual or family in need of assistance each year.

The Inaugural Concert takes place November 22 at the high school with a music department reunion performance, featuring alumni from the marching band and colorguard, musicals, concert band, jazz band and concert choir. In addition to the concert, organizers will offer a silent auction, raffles, and other opportunities to make donations.

Alumni from 1938 through 2017 are expected to attend. Past directors are also expected to be there: Jim Carr, Wanda Kingera, Mike Andolina, Tim Baacke, Sharon Wissinger, and Rebecca Wojtasek Showalter.

What: Music Alumni Concert & Fundraiser
When: Wednesday, November 22, 2017
4:00 – 5:00 Registration
5:00 – 6:15 Concert Rehearsal
6:15 – 7:00 Reception
7:30 – Alumni Concert
Where: Conemaugh Township High School

There will be a post-concert gathering at The Crow’s Nest.

Go here for information about concert dress, and to purchase shirts and tickets for the fundraiser. You can donate directly to the fund here.

Organizers welcome baskets and Silent Auction donations. If you’d like to help, please contact: suzette.gardenhour@ctasd.org or marigrace.lingenfelter@ctasd.org