As one walks through the halls of Fatima Academy, one can hear whispers of the month of April.
Eager, enthusiastic and elated voices in the school speak of Florida, of magic and of music. Students are excited to participate in a once in a lifetime opportunity and their days are spent counting down until they board the plane.
Since the 2009-2010 school year began, a consistent topic of discussion has been the much-anticipated trip to Florida that the choir and the school's accordion group will embark on.
Months following the acceptance to Walt Disney World's Magic Music Days, Fatima Academy and the surrounding community have been fundraising the necessary money that is required to embark on this opportunity. Now, Fatima Academy is throwing a benefit concert titled "Put 'er Up!," not only to support Fatima's trip to Florida but to celebrate how far they have come by having a night full of enjoyment and music for all.
The date for "Put 'er Up!" is Feb. 26 at the CLB Armoury in St. John's. The benefit concert features musicians who have donated both their talent and their time to support the Fatima students in this endeavour.
"It's a night of Newfoundland music and fun, it's much like a folk festival in the middle of winter," said director of the choir and the accordion group, teacher Robert Colbourne. "It's an event that will bring all of us together with the music that we all love. All of the performers are exceptional, and we can promise it won't be a night you'll forget anytime soon."
Along with the Fatima Academy choir and the accordion group, performers include Ray Walsh Family Band, Tarahan, Kilkenny Krew, Terri-Lynn Eddy Band, Denielle Hann, and The Celtic Connection. After the concert there will be a dance, with music provided by Greeley's Reel.
VOCM and music store Long and McQuade are corporate sponsors for the event, which wouldn't be possible without them, according to Mr. Colbourne.
"They have been very kind and generous to us. They are just as essential as the performers who have given us their generous time," he said.
The CLB Armoury has also been a great help to the school in this project.
"The CLB has been very supportive of our case, and have only been too glad to help us out," noted Mr. Colbourne who added they were the host during the choir's other successful fundraiser, Cape Shore Night.
"Put 'er Up!" is not only one of Fatima's largest and extensive fundraisers to date, but it is the night that the well-known and talented Fatima's accordion group will release their first official CD, 'Keen Spurt of Fun.'
The accordion group, who have won many notable awards, has been directed by Mr. Colbourne since his first year teaching at Fatima Academy.
"Making the CD was something new to all of us. It was all really interesting to see how everything works," said accordion group member Marcus Careen. "Hopefully people enjoy the CD as much as we enjoyed making it."
Admission for the concert is a minimum $10 donation and tickets can be purchased early by calling 722-1737 or 337-2500.
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