Last modified: Friday, September 9, 2005
IU School of Music to host benefit concert for Katrina victims
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPT. 9, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University School of Music will host a benefit concert for the victims of Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. in the Musical Arts Center.
Two-time Grammy Award-winning soprano and Indiana University alumna Sylvia McNair will return to Bloomington for a jazz concert to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
"A Benefit for New Orleans: The Cradle of Jazz" will feature the IU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Distinguished Professor of Music David Baker along with IU alumna and Grammy Award-winning soprano Sylvia McNair and Distinguished Professor of Music and renowned baritone Timothy Noble. All proceeds raised from the benefit concert will be given to the Red Cross in support of its efforts to assist New Orleans refugees.
"The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina has deeply moved the entire Indiana University family," said IU President Adam Herbert. "Music lovers worldwide are particularly saddened by the impact this tragedy has had on the legendary musical community of New Orleans. This benefit concert is a way for the Indiana University community and our neighbors to lend support to those in need as a result of this disaster. Under the direction of the School of Music's esteemed David Baker, we will celebrate the proud New Orleans jazz tradition in anticipation of the day that this glorious music will again be heard in its birthplace."
Tickets are $20 for the general public and $10 for students. Additional contributions can be made to the Red Cross by check in advance of the concert or at the event itself. The Musical Arts Center is located on South Jordan Avenue on the IU Bloomington campus.
"The School of Music is united in its desire to support the many who have suffered the horrors of Hurricane Katrina," said School of Music Dean Gwyn Richards. "As America supports them, we look forward to joining with the Bloomington community in an event that celebrates the origins and legacy of jazz, a uniquely American musical art form that is synonymous with New Orleans."
Assistance to students
Indiana University and its School of Music are assisting a number of students who are unable to attend universities in the Gulf region as a result of the devastating floods. The first to arrive in Bloomington to take up studies in the School of Music are Tyrone Hayes and Ebonee Davis. Both are residents of New Orleans and were about to take classes at the University of New Orleans. They will be studying with newly appointed School of Music faculty member Marietta Simpson.
A special telephone number and Web site continues to provide timely and useful information about the university's hurricane relief efforts. Students and families may call 866-264-2491or go online to https://www.iub.edu/hurricane for up-to-date information about campus counseling and financial assistance services.
More information about providing general assistance to hurricane victims is available from the American Red Cross at their Web site at https://www.redcross.org/.
