2016-2017
f ox c hapel a rea s chool d istrict s tate of the s chools
Gala Funds
Enhance
Music
Programs
Community Sing Concert Featured All-Elementary Chorus
N
ationally-known, Boston-based song leader and composer Nick Page, playing on his
ukulele, led elementary students at all four buildings in joyful song and movement during
a two-day visit to the school district. Mr. Page brought a level of fun and spontaneity to the
one-hour sessions with the fourth and fi fth grade choruses that were followed by a gathering
of the student bodies at each school. His visit to the district culminated in a community sing
concert on March 31 that featured a 170-member fourth and fi fth grade all-elementary chorus.
One of the songs they sang, “Train Song,” was an arrangement by Mr. Page, commissioned
by the Fox Chapel Area School District Music Department. Th e Community Sing Concert,
the commissioning of “Train Song,” and Mr. Page’s visit to the elementary schools were made
possible from the funds raised at the district’s 2012 Community Gala event.
Band Piece Commissioned Th rough Gala Funds
Th e Fox Chapel Area elementary bands commissioned a piece that was debuted at the
combined elementary fi fth grade concert in February 2017. Th e piece was funded through
money from the Gala Fund and is entitled “Bringer of War.”
Th e piece was written by award-winning and internationally-recognized composer Brian
Balmages. It is listed as one of the top choices and an editor’s choice on the music website JW
Pepper where many music educators purchase their music for the year. Th e commissioning and
popularity of this piece ensures that the Fox Chapel Area School District’s name is being shared
with elementary bands all across the nation.
Fox Chapel Area | Fall 2017 | icmags.com 25