By Sadie Ross
Each year the Frontier Regional telethon takes place and manages to showcase just about every music-related undertaking at Frontier. From classes to clubs to student-led bands, the telethon has a very individual way of displaying all of the programs that Frontier deserves to be so proud of. This year, on the 13th of November, the 11th annual telethon will occur. With each year of the telethon, the scope of the event seems to grow.
While the schedule for this year’s telethon isn’t out yet, we know many groups that will be performing; such as the Frontier Jazz Band, the Rockin’ Redhawks, the Teacher Band, and many more. Each and every group that performs at the telethon has a unique repertoire and sound. The Telethon creates an environment in which groups who may not get as much visibility in the school community can exhibit their talent. Olivia Leone, School Committee Member and Frontier parent says, “The Telethon is a great way for strings, chorus, band, and jazz band to be seen (and heard) together by the general public and FRS community.” For her, as a parent of someone in many of these programs, the telethon is a great way to share her daughter’s performances with family members. Olivia adds, “As a parent, it is a chance to see parents, teachers, students and community members enjoying music together and raising money that enriches their educational experience. I also love that I can send the FCAT Youtube link to family and friends around the world who are unable to make the concerts and parades.”
While the telethon does provide an amazing space to perform the art being created by these groups, it, more than anything, is a community event. It allows teachers, students, Frontier alumni, and members of the community to perform and appreciate the performances of those around them. Having community members watch and get so much enjoyment out of the telethon is a wonderful thing to see. Especially in a school in which the perception is often that sports are our main focus, it’s exceptional to see people appreciating music and the arts in general this much. David Peck, Drama Club Advisor and Singer in Frontier’s Teacher Band describes the importance of music for teenagers, “I think we can all agree that there is something special in the pride a student feels when they express themselves in song. Music is the universal language and is vitally important.”
While the telethon’s intent is far from materialistic, it does serve as a benefit for the Frontier Music Program. Everything donated during the telethon, whether large sums from specific donors, or just profits from tickets, goes towards any costs the music program faces. Ultimately, the telethon is tremendous no matter how you look at it. If you’re a performer, you get to showcase your work in front of an incredibly supportive, receptive audience. As an audience member, you get an eclectic, powerful show filled with talented musicians. If you are at Frontier and involved in any music programs, including band, strings, chorus, or musicals, you are also benefiting from the telethon.
The telethon transcends just a school sponsored event, it provides the space for students to take initiative. We cannot take this program for granted. Mr. Peck comments again on the telethon, thanking those so important to the telethon, “It goes without saying that Mr. Sherrill and Ms. Sitler are invaluable, investing heavily in our future by inspiring students towards a love of music, and the arts in general.” This year, on November 13th, the community will gather to enjoy all of the talent displayed during the telethon once again. Everyone at this school should put in the effort and attend the telethon because every single person on stage that night is putting in so much effort and taking a risk by expressing themselves in front of such a large audience. Thank you to everyone that makes the telethon possible and I challenge each person at this school to not take the telethon for granted.