Organizers hope Big Band brings big bucks for Communities in Schools

By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

Jim Board grew up listening to swing music and especially loves the boogie-woogie type.

He and his wife attended the second annual Rowan Big Band All-Stars benefit concert to raise money for Communities In Schools.

The Apple Baking/Cheerwine Kick-Off to Summer Benefit Concert, was held Friday at the F&M Trolley Barn. The event was sponsored by Apple Baking Co. and Cheerwine. Many other businesses, including Bloom/Food Lion, F&M Trolley Barn, Silver Eagle LLC, Central Carolina Insurance, O'Charley's and Gallo Winery, donated products.

Previous events brought in around $2,000 and organizers hope to make $5,000 this year.

Board said he read about the concert in the Post.

"I was born in the 40s. I'm a big fan of the Big Band music," he said.

His grandfather had a phonograph and Board remembers hearing John Philip Sousa played on the record player.

Board is originally from California but has lived in Salisbury about four years.

The biggest change for this year's event was that it was open to the public. Previous events were invitation only and table captains were responsible for inviting people.

"We hope people give," said Vicky Slusser, executive director of Communities In Schools.

She said the organization is thankful to its sponsors and donors.

Apple Baking Co., in addition to donating some Apple Uglies and cakes, gave $1,000.

Matt DeBoer, president of Apple Baking Co., said the business has supported Communities In Schools in the past.

"It's one area we try to support the children and the community," DeBoer said.

It's also the company's 25th anniversary, he said.

David Phan came to help his mother, Vicky Slusser, he said.

It was his first time volunteering.

"Anything to help the kids. I'm just making sure everybody has a good time," he said.

Ada Hall-Stockton, of Salisbury, said she attends many Communities In Schools events.

She's worked in the Rowan-Salisbury School System for nine years as a substitute teacher.

"It's such a wonderful and grand opportunity to give back and listen to live music," she said.

Hall-Stockton said she sees the needs working in the school system.

"It's just one way to help the students and give back," she said.

Communities In Schools is a nonprofit United Way organization that serves more than 2,500 children and their families. The program oversees more than 200 volunteers working with at-risk students.

The Big Band members are a group of local musicians who enjoy playing and performing music in the Big Band style.

The band serves as a benefit band, raising funds for local charities. All members volunteer their time and talents.

Patrick Jaap, a saxophone player, studied music in college and now plays with the Big Band and Main Street Saxophone Quartet.

"We really enjoy playing," he said.

Anne Cave plays the piano with the Big Band. She also plays with the Polka Dots and Salisbury Swing Band and sings at her church, St. Luke's Episcopal in Salisbury.

Cave is a classically trained pianist. She was asked to join by Dr. Ron Turbyfill.

"It's fun," she said.

Turbyfill organized the group of musicians. He has taught music in the Rowan-Salisbury School System. He's a former principal at Hanford Dole Elementary and now works at Nazareth Children's Home.

For information about Communities In Schools, visit www.cisrowan.org.