MEDIA ADVISORY: Uplifting and Festive Community Fundraising Events Planned

COMMUNITY SUPPORT ENSURES MUSIC EDUCATION IS AVAILABLE TO ALL
Uplifting and Festive Community Fundraising Events Planned October through December

Coquitlam, BC (October 21, 2014) – Six hours of non-stop music is Coastal Sound’s next offering to the community this Sunday as thanks for the tremendous support they receive back from it. The 3rd Annual Coastal Sound-a-Thon will take place on October 26th at JJ Bean in Suter Brook Village, Port Moody. Coastal Sound singers are currently out and about in the community collecting donations in support of music education, community outreach and bursary programs. The public is invited to sing-a-long when they attend the free choir performances, singing workshops and activities throughout the day. The funds raised from this event, along with various other fundraising efforts throughout the year by this not-for-profit society, ensures that every singer who wishes to participate in Coastal Sound’s various choirs and programs can do so.

Following this marathon afternoon of music provided by singers aged 4 through adult, choir members and valued volunteers will next be on the IKEA Coquitlam lot daily, beginning in late November until December 24th (or while quantities last), selling holiday trees for which they receive a crucial donation from the popular retailer. Communications Manager Jen Knight explains, ‘Our tree lot has been run by volunteers from the Coastal Sound Music Academy for several years now, and we couldn’t be happier to be working with them. We are proud to partner with an organization that embodies our values and gives back to the community through culture and education.’ In addition to IKEA’s generosity, Coastal Sound has greatly benefited from the donation of countless lot volunteer hours from the Coquitlam Optimists Club who’ve lent their hands to tree unloading and lot sales in addition to dollars.

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver recently showed up to DeCoro choir rehearsal with a cheque for one thousand dollars toward Coastal Sound’s programs. ‘One of Hard Rock Casino Vancouver’s values is caring – a passion for everything we do: at work, outside of work and in our community. We believe in supporting our communities and giving back,’ they explained, before participating in the evening’s rehearsal!

While these community events are important ‘live’ opportunities to show the public what Coastal Sound does, there are long-standing supporters who don’t need reminding. Founding Artistic Director Donna Otto remained a Coastal Sound enthusiast following her retirement from the organization, and her husband, philanthropist David Spence explains ‘When I recall the quality of chorality of the children’s choir concert, I remember the line in Charles Wesley’s hymn “lost in wonder, love, and praise.”  That about covers the essence of the work of CSMA does. The voices of the young singers are deeply heartfelt and profoundly moving of the soul.’ Otto and Spence’s remarkable donation of $18,000 this year is a vital boost to Coastal Sound’s operating budget and Excellence Legacy Fund. Other recent significant donor organizations have been the Province of British Columbia, BC Choral Federation and Choral Canada.

About the Coastal Sound Music Academy

Coastal Sound Music connects singers and outstanding choral music educators with the community. From the wee 4 to 5 year old “Sources” song play program, to the professional and award winning Youth and Children’s Choirs, to DeCoro, a new choral experience for adults, there is a place for singers to share a sense of spirit, artistry, heart and community.

ATTENTION MEDIA:
Photographs available – 
Photo 1: Children’s Choir; 
Photo 2: Youth Choir; 
Photo 3: DeCoro
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3rd ANNUAL COASTAL SOUND-A-THON EVENT DETAILS:
Who: All Coastal Sound Choirs + General Public
What: 6 hours of non-stop music: performances, public workshops & sing-a-longs
When: Sunday, October 26th from 12 to 6 pm
Where: JJ Bean, Suter Brook Village, at #7 – 400 Capilano Road, Port Moody
Why: To collect donations in support of Coastal Sound’s music education, community outreach and bursary programs.  

http://coastalsoundmusic.com/soundathon/

For more information, contact: Jen Boucher, Interim Marketing and Operations Manager
Coastal Sound Music Academy, 778.989.5701| jen@coastalsoundmusic.com

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