On Friday, Sept. 29 Brown Hall Auditorium was packed full of musicians, faculty and students, all of whom were there to raise money for a great cause and listen to some groovy tunes.

(Photograph by Noah Parker / East Tennessean)

The event featured a variety of musical ensembles from within ETSU’s Music Department, and the funds raised from donations went directly to Samaritan’s Purse for hurricane relief efforts. A suggested donation of $10 was collected at the door. 

According to President of the Music Department Student Council Clinton Long, the event was thrown together in about a week.

“Even though this was super last minute, we thank you all for coming out and we hope you enjoy,” Long said before the performances began.

Several groups performed including Harmonium, the ETSU Piano Ensemble, the ETSU Woodwind Quintet, the Swashbucklers, the Jazz Ensemble, Chorale, ETSU Belles Women’s Choir and Greyscale.

Halfway through the show, guest performer and vocal activist Melanie Demore gave a moving performance that brought the whole crowd together in song.

“This is a beautiful thing,” Demore said. “This is a chance to raise our voices in support of our friends and family in Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida.”

The Swashbucklers shared a similar message of unity as they performed their moving rendition of the song entitled “Brother.”

“This song reminds us to help each other through the trials of life,” said a member of the Swashbucklers. “It’s very fitting for what we’re trying to accomplish here.”

As the last few acts took to the stage,Director of the Jazz Ensemble Martin Walters took the opportunity to thank the audience for their financial contributions.

“We appreciate you coming out in support of not only the Music Department but the relief efforts as well,” Walters said. “We hope you support our future concerts.”

More information can be found online at http://www.etsu.edu/cas/music/events.php.

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