CONCERT TIME Williams County fourth graders enjoy the musical entertainment and information given by the Toledo Brass Quintet during a private concert event put on for them by the Christmas with the Toledo Symphony Committee
By: Jenna Frisby
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Christmas with the Toledo Symphony Committee isn’t waiting until December to make an impact in the community. On Wednesday, May 1st they held a private event at the Bryan Arts and Education Center with the Toledo Symphony Brass Quintet.
The performance was held for all fourth graders in Williams County. With an expected total of about 500 in attendance it was quite the experience for the elementary students.
The performance was more than just music being played; in fact, several members of the quintet gave an in-depth informational background on several brass instruments. They even brought along some older modeled brass instruments and played them for the kids.
The Christmas with the Toledo Symphony Committee is comprised of fourteen committee members. Tammy Wood, the committee chairman, explained that the committee was able to put on this event because of the continual community support and the funding they receive through their Christmas with the Toledo Symphony concert.
Those funds are through tickets and advertising strictly for the Christmas concert. However, with those funds, and the connections they have developed over the years, they are also able to put together other events like this one for the local schools.
Two of those connections being Bryan City Schools Band Director Jason Luthy and Bryan City Schools 3rd through 5th grade elementary principal Mrs. Casey.
For this event both of those individuals collaborated with the committee to ensure this event could happen for all of the Williams County fourth graders. Wood explained that what drives her passion to hold these events and especially the Christmas with the Toledo Symphony concert is that some kids are not able to do sports, whether they not be interested or feel like they are not talented enough; whereas music and the arts, including band, can open doors for students to be more involved in areas they weren’t able to be before and to learn where their talents lie.
As well as this event, the committee has also “established a grant program which offers small grants to area school departments”. This grant helps with supplies and equipment as well as the potential for middle and high school student aid in the form of music camps and private lessons.
The committee has also formed a grant that they’ve been distributing since 2010. The grant is a $1,000 scholarship that is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is planning to study music or the arts.
The committee has impacted countless individuals through their programs and funds. Their partnership and affiliation with the Bryan Area Foundation, who holds their fundings, has given them the potential for further accomplishments and continued outreach through their programs.
The Christmas with the Toledo Symphony concert is held every year in early December at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bryan. This year will be no exception to that and will be extra special as it is the Christmas with the Toledo Symphony’s 15th year.
It is planned to take place Thursday, December 5th at 7:00p.m. Tickets to the concert will be available for purchase in November at the Bryan Chamber of Commerce.
