Dear Burlington: Gala Benefit Concert is Tribute to Music in Schools

Dear Burlington music lovers:

The Burlington High School Music Boosters Association would like to thank both the local and high school communities for supporting the Gala Benefit Concert and Silent Auction, featuring The New England Tenors and BHS Chorus and Select Singers. Saturday evening was a magical night for all who were in attendance. Our enthusiastic audience spanned every generation and the spirited and rousing ovations were an overwhelming tribute to the on-stage talent and the event!

Our sincere thanks go out to all who made this a night to remember including The New England Tenors and the brilliant voices of John Middleton-Cox, Ray Bauwens and Damien Corcoran, Alan Freedman on piano, Burlington Schools music teacher Jennifer Rzasa on Violin, and BHS music student Patrick Hanafin on percussion. Also, we wish to thank Mike Fay, Jenny Shaw, Chet Maguire, Alan McRae, Kate McMahon, and all our student and parent volunteers.

We would like to thank our program sponsors whose support of our endeavors is greatly appreciated: Accurate Automotive & Tire Warehouse, the Hilton Garden Inn Boston/Burlington, Brenda Cahoon of Exit Premier Real Estate, Arthur Fertman, DDS, PC, New Jang Su Korean BBQ Restaurant, Spencer Cleaners, and Dr. Robert E. Segool, Optometrist.

There were many local businesses whose generosity to the silent auction helped us reach our fundraising goal for this event. Special thanks go to: the Gregorio Family, the Hilton Garden Inn, “Shear Madness” at the Charles Theatre II, PC Healthstop, Elizabeth Grady, the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, the Paul Revere House, the Obleschuk Family and the Minuteman National Park, Meryl Galaid and the Wheelock Family Theatre, and the Peabody Essex Museum.

Also, the Burlington Recreation Department, Subway, Showcase Cinemas Woburn, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Beauty and the Beast” at Burlington High School, the Real School of Music, Spencer Cleaners, Massage Envy, Roche Brothers, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Patterson’s Back Bay Dancewear, Adrian Beltre and the Boston Red Sox, Ikier Wellness Center, Dandelion Green, Pizza Works, The Fong Family, Capital Grille, “Sing-a-Long Mary Poppins” and “Dame Edna” at the Regent Theatre.

Finally, Diane Mills, The Melting Pot, the Cote Family, A Whole Bunch, Burlington Jade, Deborah Monte, Josephine Perelman, Medieval Manor Theatre-Restaurant, Given Erwin Florist and Garden Center, Angela Richardson and “Godspell” at the Turtle Lane Playhouse, and Burlington Veterinary Hospital.

We are also extremely grateful to the following businesses that made the dessert reception a complete and total success: Delicious Desserts, Hilton Garden Inn, Julie’s Confections, La Cascia’s Bakery, Stop ‘n’ Shop Bedford, Stop ‘n’ Shop Lexington, Stop ‘n’ Shop Woburn, True North, The Fat and Happy Baker of Wakefield, and Shotcakes at the Burlington Mall.

The Burlington High School Music Boosters Association is a non-profit organization that supports the music department with a number of programs including scholarships for every graduating marching band member, concert attire for band and chorus members, transportation to music festivals, wish list items for the music department and the introduction of a new scholarship for music students who continue music studies in college. Please check back here often for new and exciting performances at the high school.

Christian theologian Martin Luther's words sum it up beautifully: "As long as we live, there is never enough singing."

Thank you, Burlington, for your never-ending support of our endeavors and the realization that music plays an important part in all our lives.