Funds raised go toward furthering musical education
By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
ROCKLEDGE -- A monthly music program will be highlighting the talent of Brevard youth this month.
"Music on the Hill," a monthly music program sponsored by the Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, is a program that raises money for aspiring musicians, while also giving them the chance to demonstrate their talents in front of a live audience.
"The kids love doing it," said Marshall Frank, an organizer of the event. "It's an intimate evening for those in the audience. What they see is some of the most exciting youngsters, who are outstanding pianists, vocalists or musicians, pour their hearts out."
For the past five years, Mr. Frank said the Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, a nonprofit organization, has raised more than $35,000 for musical students in the county.
The money raised by the organization helps each student pay for lessons, instruments and other things that further their musical career, Mr. Frank said.
This month's performance will feature Brevard County performers between the ages of 14 and 17.
Amongst the performers are sisters Bethany, 14, and Elizabeth Hargis, 16, who will both be performing a concert piano piece.
Bethany will be this month's emcee, Mr. Frank said.
"We always have one of the kids be the emcee for the evening," he said. "They get the opportunity to work with the other kids and formulate the actual program and interview the other performers."
Also performing at this month's event will be two vocalists, Michael Tornatta, 17, a tenor voice, and Isabel Prado, 15, a soprano voice, who both sing at a Broadway or operatic level, Mr. Frank said.
Mr. Frank said last month's event featured performances from younger children, a first for the organization.
This event is one of the few events taking place before the nonprofit organization's annual "Brevard's Got Music Talent" in April.
Tickets for "Music on the Hill" are $5, and it will be held Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 3115 Friendship Place in Rockledge.
All funds raised will be used to support local music students further their musical education.
For more information, visit www.creativeartsbrevard.org or call (321) 254-3398.