CGHS Front Row: Symphonic Support

The story goes that two tourists saw famed violist Mischa Elman and asked, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Supposedly, they wanted directions, saw he was carrying a violin case and approached him with the question. Without looking up, Elman responded, “Practice.”

While there is truth in the response of Elman and it applies to most endeavors worthy of accolades, there is always more to any success. A strong foundation and support are always critical to success. Such is the case for the Center Grove Middle and High School orchestras.

The Center Grove Orchestra Council (CGOC), led by Mitch Phillips as president, is unique in their support than other parent groups because it includes supporting the middle schools. Parents, grandparents and guardians of students in sixth grade through 12th are encouraged to become involved in the council. All the orchestra programs benefit from CGOC’s volunteers and fundraising.

The CGOC plays many roles, but a key role is fundraising to cover costs of the season which include the expense of traveling to Indiana State School Music Association solo and ensemble competitions to continual refurbishing of the boys’ tuxedos. Along with fundraising, CGOC members volunteer for chaperoning for the ISSMA trips and organizing meals for the orchestra while traveling.

The largest fundraiser also coincides with the highlight of the orchestra’s season. The Winter Gala will showcase the talents and hard work of all the Center Grove orchestras under the leadership of Joe Shimp and Ashley Carney.

Not only is the evening full of the beautiful music and exceptional performances, it ushers in the Christmas season. It leaves no doubt as to why it is a treasured tradition with the community. This year’s Winter Gala is December 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the CGHS auditorium.

For the Winter Gala, the CGOC transforms the Hall of Excellence into a café where homemade baked items are on sale and includes the offerings of a coffee vendor. Attendees may buy raffle tickets for donated items by local businesses as another opportunity to support the Center Grove orchestras.

During the evening, Texas Roadhouse takes orders for their famous rolls, flavored butter and gift cards with a portion of the proceeds going to CGOC.

The CGOC uses the funds to assist with the costs for individual orchestra members and the entire orchestra. They will often help cover costs of travel expenses and additional private lessons for students needing a little financial help. This gives all of the students an equal opportunity to excel.

While most CGHS activities are extracurricular, orchestra is an academic class in the arts. CGOC strives to help all the students achieve success.

Senior parent Wendi Haley has passion for the orchestra and is an active member of the CGOC. She has wonderful memories of her son Colin’s time in the Center Grove orchestras.

Of her fondest memory of her favorite violist, Haley responds, “Seeing Colin standing in front of his fellow students last fall as a soloist for a piece called ‘Irish Legend.’” This proved to be ironic with Colin’s recent selection as the first chair violist to travel to Northern Ireland for a short-term mission trip with Christ in Youth.

As her violist prepares to graduate, Haley offers advice to future and current orchestra parents. “I would encourage all parents, middle school through high school, to attend the CGOC meetings and give what time and talents they can. CGOC exists to serve all of the district’s orchestra students and staff.”

She also defines the truth of all high school activities: “One reality of school … kids graduate. As students graduate, our volunteers do too.”

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