Flash Points:

• The Saint Francis University band program presented instruments to the students at the String Theory School in Philadelphia.
• The SFU band combined with Gamma Sigma Sigma to raise money and collect instruments to donate to the school.
• The SFU band raised over $1,600 for the school's music program.

LORETTO, Pa. – The Saint Francis University Band Program teamed up with the sisters of Gamma Sigma Sigma to help provide instruments to students at The String Theory School for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pa.  The Saint Francis students traveled to Philadelphia on Friday, November 4 to present the instruments.
 
The SFU band, led by Director Daniel Atwood, raised money during the Spring 2016 semester and held an instrument drive to help put instruments in the hands of the students at the String Theory School, located in inner city Philadelphia.  The SFU band raised over $1,600 for the school's music program.
 
The band made the official presentation on November 4.  The band also held a rehearsal with the String Theory School students during that day and then performed in a side-by-side concert that night.  The concert concluded with both bands combining to play two pieces together.
 
JoAnn Wieszczyk, who also serves as the Woodwind Technician for the Saint Francis University Marching Band summer band camp, started the band program at The String Theory School. 
 
The program has already expanded to include both high school and middle school students. Wieszczyk is working to expand the program to the elementary level.  With the school needing more instruments to accommodate the number of students who applied to be in the band program, the Saint Francis University Marching Band stepped in to help provide more instruments.
 
"This was an exceedingly special experience for me personally," said Wieszczyk. "Because it brought together my students from the last four years of teaching to one place.  SFU gave my String Theory students an unparalleled performance experience as many of them will never again play in an ensemble quite as good."
 
"More importantly, they got to perform with a group of students so invested in them, who care so sincerely about the privilege and joy of making music together. That alone made this an emotionally cathartic experience for all involved. I want to thank the SFU band for everything they did."
 
Atwood suggested the project to his students, and Gamma Sigma Sigma, after visiting and working with Wieszczyk's students in Fall 2015, when he was very impressed by the String Theory Program.  Proceeds from the November 2015 Band Blast were used to purchase new instruments and junior Marching and Pep Band member Victoria Flynn (Clinton, Pa./South Side) led multiple fundraising efforts, including bake sales, events at community restaurants and stores and collecting slightly-used instruments.
 
"I am so proud of our SFU band family," said Atwood. "As the Director of Bands, this project exemplified the vision and impact I have in mind for the Saint Francis University Band Program. At SFU, our students cannot be music majors or minors, they participate in band for the love of performing and sharing music."
 
"What better way to do this than to provide instruments and funds to help these Philadelphia students have an opportunity to play, and then travel to their school and perform a concert with them? My sincere thanks to Mrs. Wieszczyk, the String Theory School faculty, staff, administration and the students for opening their doors and arms to us and allowing us to be a small part of a truly incredible experience!"
 
After the event, several String Theory School students reached out to the SFU band to thank them for their effort. 
 
"Thank you for getting a baritone for me," said Eighth Grade Concert Band student Klejdi Causahaj. "Because of you, I am able to play music in the class I love. If it wasn't for you, Saint Francis University, I wouldn't be able to learn as much music and play at this concert here. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
      SFU Director of University Bands, Daniel Atwood(right), presents a donation to JoAnn Wieszczyk,
    who started the band program at the String Theory School.