Students, alumni, and faculty members will all share their talents at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Fall Fundraiser Concert, 3 p.m. Nov. 2 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. More than 80 performers of all ages will take the stage at the concert.
The event is free, but donations are welcome.
Music Institute President and CEO Shalisa Kline Ugaz said they chose to make this a free event because, “We want to keep it open to the public so people can really enjoy the talents of our students, from young Suzuki players to adult jazz bands to faculty. We do, of course, want to raise money but we want to make sure that anyone who wants to attend has the opportunity to listen to great music.”
She added that as a community music school, “accessibility is part of our mission.”
Ugaz reported that the money raised will be used to underwrite scholarships and financial aid for students. She noted that the fundraiser is a small part of the school’s goal of raising $2.3 million in financial support for students annually.
In addition to providing financial aid, the concert offers other benefits.
“It’s a really great opportunity to come together as a community,” Ugaz declared. “It’s great for the students, it’s great for the parents to socialize and come together around music.”
Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs Emily Abraham said, “I curated the program to include students of all ages, a vast variety of instruments and levels, and a broad range of musical styles. The performers include students from the Community Music School and the Academy, faculty members, trustees, and a featured alumnus.”
Music instruments will include piano, violin, cello, harp, bassoon, saxophone, guitar, bass, trumpet, drums, and voice.
Abraham noted that there will be performances by soloists, duets, Suzuki ensembles, and a chamber music group. An adult jazz combo will welcome guests in the lobby as they arrive.
“Some faculty members will perform duets with their students while others will make music with each other,” Abraham said.
She added that an alumnus is being featured on the program for the first time. Dr. Matthew Hagle, a pianist and director of the Musicianship Program who has taught at the Music Institute for nearly 30 years, will perform.
There will also be a duet by violinist Almita Vamos, who has taught at the Music Institute for nearly 50 years, and cellist Tanya Carey, who has taught there for over 20 years.
The evening will conclude with a community sing of Dona Nobis Pacem, which translates as Grant Us Peace.
In addition to the musical performances, the Music Institute will present the Third Annual Teacher of Note Award to a member of the school’s award-winning faculty. For the first time, there will be the presentation of an Alumni of Note Award.
“There are some fun additions as well,” Abraham said. “A photo booth with props and nice treats.”
Renee Parquette joined the Music Institute of Chicago’s Board of Trustees in 2017. A year later, she came up with the concept of Soiree, which became Families in Concert, and then the Fall Fundraiser Concert.
“I am a lover of music, especially because of the impact that it’s had on my life through the years,” Parquette said. “I now have four grandchildren that are involved with MIC, one of them an alumni.” They are Savannah, 20; Jaiden, 17; Evie, 13; and Eamon, 6.
Because she was at the Music Institute so often with her grandchildren, “Some of the parents thought I was an employee,” she laughingly noted.
Parquette wanted to be more involved with the school, so she became a trustee.
“I recognize the impact that music and good quality music education have not only on the current students and families, but they impact generations,” Parquette said. “I have a desire to pass that love of music and connection and harmony on to people currently here today and the following generations.”
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That motivated her to come up with the concept of soiree.
This year, Parquette is cochair of the event.
“My duties are to go out and inspire people to attend the Fall Fundraiser and let it be known,” she said.
“This Fall Fundraiser, we’re putting the Fun in Fundraiser,” Parquette reported. “We have a photo booth. We’re going to have sweet treats. We’re encouraging families to come out and have fun while listening to some inspiring and uplifting musical performances.”
For more information on the Fall Fundraiser Concert, visit musicinst.org/fall-fundraiser.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.