Monday night’s sixth-annual Music 4 Music benefit concert attracted hundreds of guests to Ravenwood High School for the evening’s silent auction, VIP reception and special performances. The event, hosted by former TV and radio personality Shannon McCombs included performances by songwriters Kelley Lovelace and recent Grammy winner, Steve Wariner. It also featured up-and-coming country artist Chris Young.

 

While the weather – specifically an accumulation of snow and ice – “probably affected the walk-up attendance,” said Pete Fisher, vice president and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, who orchestrated the evening’s performances.  The concert took place on schedule and didn’t disappoint those who turned out. Advanced tickets sales reached over 200 for the event.

 

Attendees included Lisa Hunt, who perused the silent auction tables in support of her son, a sophomore in the band. “Last year, Steve Wariner was supposed to perform, but they had to change the dates and he couldn’t, so I’m looking forward to his performance tonight,” she said.  

 

During the silent auction which preceded the concert, guests bid on items such as Southwest Airlines tickets, Vanderbilt and University of Tennessee apparel, and memorabilia from Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Kelly Pickler.

 

VIP guests enjoyed a dinner catered by Qdoba Mexican Grill during a special reception. The featured artists visited each table for pictures and autographs.

 

During the concert, which took place in the school’s Performing Arts Center, Wariner, Young and Lovelace took turns performing original music, while sharing some personal anecdotes with the crowd between each song. “I talked to some of the kids in the band, and I think we should get them up here next time,” Wariner said.

 

Funds acquired through ticket sales and silent auction items will benefit Ravenwood’s band for the purchasing of new uniforms, equipment and instruments, which can cost upward of a few thousand dollars.

 

“All the proceeds will go straight into the account for what we call our ‘capital expenses.’ Those are the purchases that stay at Ravenwood — our big ticket items,” said Melanie Horton, the band’s vice president of events.

 

“This is a big recruitment year. We have a lot of middle schoolers wanting to join the band as they enter ninth grade, and they will need instruments,” Horton said.

 

Each year, the fundraiser aims to better the school’s music program, with the help of dedicated parents, organizers and artists.

 

“There’s no better advocate for the importance of music education than the parents of those or those who are directly impacted by music. We are thankful to all the performers because without them, there wouldn’t be a reason to sell the tickets,” Fisher said.

 

Ravenwood’s band recently received top awards at the 2010 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas, Texas. “Music 4 Music contributes to the band’s success, Fisher said, by raising funds that provide students with functional equipment. “It takes away the limitations of a quality music education by providing these instruments.”

 

“This provides the opportunity for every kid to participate in the music program,” band director Mark Kinzer said.

 

Many students, such as junior band member Emily Brown, have looked forward to the event, “so that we can participate in activities to buy items that will allow us to have a successful marching season,” Brown said.  

 

While the audience enjoyed the unique opportunity of seeing such a talented collaboration of singer-songwriters all in one evening, Fisher noted, “the opportunity to give to the music program doesn’t have to be one evening, it can be year-round.”