Music

KSU School of Music Collage Concert to support student scholarships

Read more at arts.kennesaw.edu

The 2021 Collage Concert will be virtual this year on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m. 

Enjoy a variety of musical performances in free, virtual concert


KENNESAW, Ga.
(Feb 2, 2021)
— Students and faculty at Kennesaw State University’s School of Music will present the Collage Concert on Saturday, February 6 at 8 p.m. Led by interim director Leslie J. Blackwell, the School of Music will present this signature production for the 15th year in
a row to raise funds for student scholarships.  

Since 2007, both students and faculty members have graced the stage each year to celebrate
music and raise money to support student scholarships. Highlights of the concert usually
include the Chamber Singers, Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble.
A kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, the event has become an annual tradition for
many patrons.

But this is not a typical year.

The Collage Concert will still delight patrons with a wide range of musical selections—including
traditional favorites Bach, Handel and Mendelssohn and recent works from alumnus Andrew
Creech, Herbie Hancock, and faculty member Trey Wright—but this time, patrons will
watch from home instead of sitting in majestic Morgan Hall.

This year’s free performance may be streamed live with only a simple reservation. However, as the Collage Concert is the School of Music’s largest fundraiser for
student scholarships, the situation presents both a dilemma and an opportunity.

Proceeds from revenue generated by Collage have benefited students greatly in the
past, but this year, there will be no ticket revenue, as the concert is free. Blackwell
says, “Normally, we have ticket revenue to consider as part of our proceeds to support
students. However, there are no ticket revenues this year, so I would merely ask patrons
to consider contributing the cost of what they would normally pay to attend the concert
in person. If everyone did that, it would be amazing.”

The need of students is great, particularly this year. It is difficult to underestimate
the need. Some students lost part-time jobs as restaurants were closed, and others
kept their jobs, but saw their income plummet during the shutdown. Others had parents
lose jobs and simply could not afford books or tuition. Fundraising events like Collage
Concert help fill in the gap and make a difference in a student’s life.

Kelly Smith, director of development for the College of the Arts, says that KSU students
inspire her. “Most of our students are not students who come from wealth and means.
They are students who know the value of work and what it’s going to take for them
to be what they want to be after they graduate. They inspire me every day with their
tenacity and their drive,” she says.

In this difficult year, as you enjoy the many offerings of the Collage Concert, please
consider donating to the School of Music to benefit student scholarships. Your donation may make the
difference of music students being able to complete their last semester in school
or begin their KSU journey. Blackwell adds, “We are able to assist our students with
the help of our donors and concertgoers. This year, our goal is to raise at least
$10,000 in this one evening to support student scholarships.”

Make your reservation to watch the virtual 15th Annual Collage Concert on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m.

–Kathie Beckett

Read more at arts.kennesaw.edu

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