Music lovers from across Somerville heard Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower,” “All of Me,” and traditional Irish tunes such as “Swallowtail” performed by SHS students and faculty at the East Somerville Community School auditorium late last month. The occasion was a benefit concert to support the Somerville Homeless Coalition and Save Our Homes Walk Coalition and it was the brainchild of Andrew Blickenderfer, the SHS Orchestra Director.

When asked how the event came about, Mr. Blickenderfer explained that when the SHS Orchestra travels to Washington, DC, they typically try to include a community performance component. Because they were unable to procure a venue this year, Mr. Blickenderfer continues, “The thought occurred to me that the orchestra students could perform community service right here in Somerville. Many of our students know friends and families who have been directly impacted by affordable housing shortages, rising rents, or found themselves temporarily without any shelter. The Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) seemed like a perfect partner to address this ongoing issue, and give meaningful social context for the wonderful music our students create each day. Joining us at the concert was Ellen Schachter, Director of Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability, whose mission and work dovetails with that of the SHC.”

Logistical and student support was provided by instrumental music faculty Joanne Sadler, Ethan Fallis, and Evan Perry as well as Rick Saunders, Somerville Public Schools Music Director. Special guest, Irish fiddler Cliodhna Fields, also performed as did the SHS Orchestra, SHS Jazz Trio, and SHS String Faculty. The concert raised over $1,200 for the Somerville Homeless Coalition and Save Our Homes Walk Coalition.

-Somerville Public Schools