If someone told me I would have the opportunity to participate in an event that combined my passions for music and running, allowed me to spend time with friends (including watching many of them perform), and supported a cause that is dear to my heart -- music education, I would sign up in a heartbeat. And that's just what I did when I learned about the third annual Brad Schoener Fund Music Marathon, scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 21st, in Upper Darby, PA.
A Little Background about the Music Marathon...
The "Music Marathon" is organized by The Brad Schoener Memorial Fund, a music education charity based in Upper Darby. The fund was founded to honor the legacy of Brad Schoener, a musician, athlete, and inspirational music teacher of 25 years for thousands of students in the Upper Darby School District, who lost his five-year battle with cancer in March 2009.
The Music Marathon is said to have grown out of "an idea Brad had several years ago to hold an event that was a celebration of music of all kinds". Now his family and hundreds of students and alumni, colleagues and friends organize this event, which has been described as "a carnival of music" taking place inside and outside the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.
The Mission of the Fund
"To support the musical abilities and aspirations of instrumental music students in the Upper Darby School District through the funding of instruments, instruction, and experiences to interested and talented students who might not otherwise have the opportunities due to personal circumstances."
Brad hoped the fund would accomplish the following goals:
I first learned of the Music Marathon from my good friend Andy (a.k.a. "Andy the trombone player"), who plays with the Upper Darby Sousa Band, just one of the many many groups performing at this year's event. There will be a variety of musical performances, including bagpipers, jazz combos, string ensembles, drumlines, funk, rock, R & B, and pop, starting at 9 am and going into the evening hours. And, I recently learned that some other good friends of mine are headlining the day's concerts... who else but Chico's Vibe, of course!!
The 5K Run/2 Mile Fun Walk
Date: Saturday, May 21, 2011
Time: 10:00am
Location: Arlington Cemetery
Address: 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill PA 19026 (map)
Race day registration & packet pick-up: on site from 8:30-9:30am
On-Site Registration Opens @ 8:00 am or register in advance online!
A description of the race, taken from the music marathon's website:
"A two loop run course, (or one loop walk) in beautiful Arlington Cemetery, the resting place of Upper Darby’s beloved band director, Brad Schoener. Along the course, runners and walkers will be treated to live music by some of Brad’s students and friends."
Concluding Thoughts...
The Music Marathon is going to be a fantastic event for a great cause. I am excited to be involved in this event, as a participant in the 5K race, a volunteer, a supporter of the fund (I have donated piano lessons to be raffled off), and a spectator of the many great musical performances that will take place on May 21st in honor of Brad Schoener and the mission of his fund. I look forward to seeing many bright and smiling, familiar faces, and hope that those of you who were not aware of this event will decide to stop by for at least part of the day.
Musically yours,
Tina
- To provide lessons for talented students who may not be able to afford them
- To provide instruments for all elementary students who have the desire to learn
- To establish a summer music camp for elementary students
The Third Annual Music Marathon!
I first learned of the Music Marathon from my good friend Andy (a.k.a. "Andy the trombone player"), who plays with the Upper Darby Sousa Band, just one of the many many groups performing at this year's event. There will be a variety of musical performances, including bagpipers, jazz combos, string ensembles, drumlines, funk, rock, R & B, and pop, starting at 9 am and going into the evening hours. And, I recently learned that some other good friends of mine are headlining the day's concerts... who else but Chico's Vibe, of course!!
Chico's Vibe Performing at the 2010 Music Marathon
The third annual Music Marathon will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2011, and kick off with a 5k Run/2 Mile Fun Walk, scheduled to start at 10 am across the street from the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. You can view a complete schedule of the day's events here.
Date: Saturday, May 21, 2011
Time: 10:00am
Location: Arlington Cemetery
Address: 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill PA 19026 (map)
Race day registration & packet pick-up: on site from 8:30-9:30am
On-Site Registration Opens @ 8:00 am or register in advance online!
A description of the race, taken from the music marathon's website:
"A two loop run course, (or one loop walk) in beautiful Arlington Cemetery, the resting place of Upper Darby’s beloved band director, Brad Schoener. Along the course, runners and walkers will be treated to live music by some of Brad’s students and friends."
Concluding Thoughts...
The Music Marathon is going to be a fantastic event for a great cause. I am excited to be involved in this event, as a participant in the 5K race, a volunteer, a supporter of the fund (I have donated piano lessons to be raffled off), and a spectator of the many great musical performances that will take place on May 21st in honor of Brad Schoener and the mission of his fund. I look forward to seeing many bright and smiling, familiar faces, and hope that those of you who were not aware of this event will decide to stop by for at least part of the day.
Musically yours,
Tina
