High schools engage in friendly battle of the bands to raise funds
The B.C. Catholic
A little friendly competition between two high-school bands has brought in a big cheque for the homeless.
St. Thomas Aquinas and Notre Dame Regional Secondary Schools have been engaged in a playful battle of the bands for three consecutive years. The annual concert, called STAND, is a fundraiser for a drop-in centre in the Downtown Eastside.
“It was originally conceived to be a band competition, but before it even started, they realized they should be doing it as a fundraiser,” said STA campus minister Jeremy Keong.
The third STAND, held in March, raised $1,015. The junior and senior bands from both high schools played song for song, riling the other side, and making Keong feel a bit like he was at a sporting event.
“It definitely had the atmosphere of a competition,” he said. Finally the senior bands of the two schools united, playing the last two songs together.
“It was a neat way to wrap it up and show that we’re all in this together and we’re all doing it for the same purpose.”
Admission was by donation, and the funds went straight to The Door is Open, a drop-in centre that hosts programs for and serves meals to the less fortunate every day.
“I think it’s wonderful that the STA and Notre Dame school communities have come together to support the Downtown Eastside community through the Door is Open,” said employee and STA alumna Frances Cabahug.
“Their donation will be used for the 300 meals that we provide in our daily lunch program. On behalf of the guests we serve, we thank the students for sharing their talents to help us.”
Many of the musicians who performed at STAND have also actually volunteered at the Downtown Eastside site. STA has been sending students to help out at DIO for at least 15 years.
“I first joined DIO merely for the service hours I could get,” admitted Grade 12 student and clarinet player Timothy Lin.
“However, from the first time doing it, I see a lot of value in helping. Having this experience with The Door is Open enhanced my perspective of the society we live in.”
He said it meant a lot for him to participate in the fundraiser.
“The STAND concert not only allows us to showcase our musicianship and entertain the audience, but mostly it is to spread awareness of the injustice that the people in the Downtown Eastside face.”
As a campus minister, Keong reminds high-school students to get involved in social justice efforts, particularly during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.
“I made people aware that, especially this year, we should be focusing on doing these seemingly small acts of charity for those around us,” he said.
“It’s just a way for the students to use their God-given talents, and use them to draw people in,” and “as a prayer for those people who are less fortunate than us.”
