Top: Luis Guerrero and Addan Brown played ‘Mambo Ritmico’ by Doug Spata. Seth Daniel photo
A crowd of parents and school supporters gathered May 1 to hear eighth grade students perform their Capstone Projects, and to help raise money for IFSI of Mattapan. Seth Daniel photos
Eighth graders at the Conservatory Lab Charter School (CLCS) used their waning days at the Columbia Road school to blend music with mission in hosting the first-ever Legacy Concert to raise money for Mattapan’s Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI).
CLCS, a K-8 music-infused school on two campuses near Uphams Corner, has required a Capstone Project for eighth graders to graduate every year, and this year class members displayed their music prowess on May 1 with civic action, choosing to help support IFSI as part of their project.
By the start of the concert, they had raised $1,200, and counting, for the organization.
“I chose IFSI with two other students,” said Everly, an eighth grader from the nearby area. “I was thinking that given the state of immigration in America now, if we can benefit that organization that is advocating for immigration issues, I felt we could make an impact.”
Some 23 students presented music projects in 14 pieces, with varying compositions and groups – from solos to sextets. Students performed pieces by J.S. Bach and Al Jarreau and jazz great Jim Snidero. While the performances were serious efforts, with judges grading the performance and the execution as part of the final project – the mood was also one of enjoyment and fulfillment on the fundraising end.
A sextet of eighth graders played the energetic ‘Escape Velocity.’ Seth Daniel photo
State Rep. Chris Worrell attended and said raising money for IFSI in the midst of very real federal budget cuts to the program showed “great advocacy. This is really the heart of the community showing up here,” he noted.
Added CLCS Executive Director Nicole Mack, “For many years we’ve refined our Capstone Project…Combining our academics with music and being part of the community – this project this year brings all of those together.”
Beyond the concert and fundraising, the Capstone Project also includes a research essay, speaking to experts in the class’s field of study (immigration services), and a final presentation to a panel of judges.
Students Addan Brown and Sam McLellan. Seth Daniel photo
Eighth grader William Crowe played ‘Groove Blues’ by Jim Snidero on the trombone. Seth Daniel photo
