BRANFORD:    Excitement was in the air on May 14 at the annual Branford High School Choral Program Pops Concert when students proudly presented a check to the Branford Counseling Center for $16,000 – the net proceeds from their April 26 Bach to Rock benefit concert at Woolsey Hall.  Under the direction of Choir Director Cathyann Roding, the students had spent the year fundraising to produce the concert so that every dollar earned through ticket sales could be donated to the Basic Needs program of the Center.  Over 1000 people attended the concert, which featured Bach's Magnificat and ten rock classics that Drake Smith orchestrated and arranged for a 30-piece orchestra and rock band.

Peter Cimino, Executive Director of the Center, congratulated the students on their success:  "The Bach to Rock Concert is an important example of how Branford students are using their talents and passion for music to help others in need.  Cathyann Roding's leadership in getting these talented kids together to perform a professional concert was amazing.  The Branford community truly comes together to help its most vulnerable residents."

"I am so proud of my students!" said Roding.  "They accomplished so much in this one concert.  They pushed themselves musically further than they ever thought possible by learning the Bach.  They accepted every challenge in front of them to become the best singers they possibly could.  And they showed just how much you can accomplish with perseverance, hard work, and dedication."

When asked what students learned from the experience, Jared Carlson, Choir President, said, "The most important thing we learned was that this was possible.  The Bach Magnificat was an incredibly complex piece of music with over 70 pages of continuous singing and concentration.  It was hard to believe we would be able to take on such a challenge, especially after having just produced Les Miserables, one of the most difficult musicals in history."

Carlson explained that the experience of successfully producing the concert had an inspiring effect on the Choir.  "We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, and for the support of our community.   The production showed us that music can be a force that brings a community together and changes the world around it."

The proceeds from the performance will help the Center to assist a greater number of town residents, with funding will going directly to help pay utility costs, rental payment assistance to avoid evictions, and temporary emergency housing.

To find out how you can help the Center, contact Jennifer Sylvia at (203) 481-4248 x313 or jsylvia@branford-ct.gov.