Mission to Rebuild Union Beach Memorial School Band Accomplished!
Thank you Patch.com for publicizing my campaign to equip the Union Beach Memorial School Band with donated instruments after theirs were destroyed in hurricane Sandy.
The music teacher tells me the band now has all the instruments they need, including some that we thought would be hard to find, like the baritone horn and the bass clarinet. As a follow up, I want to share with you what has transpired.
After posting the need on Facebook, Patch.com, and helpful publicity from local newspapers I experienced an enormous response. For weeks I handled and managed some 200 emails and too many phone calls to count, from people throughout New Jersey and from several other states... as far away as the West Coast. People wanted to donate instruments and money to the school music department.
Many of the calls and emails were from people who attended Memorial School as children and wanted to help. There were calls and emails from school band directors in NJ and other states wanting to donate their excess instruments. And professional musicians answered the call to donate instruments along with parents of now-grown kids who left their instruments behind when they moved out.
The entire town of Glen Ridge, NJ was fundraising for the Memorial School band after the high school band parents began a drive; a school in Oregon was holding three fundraisers for us, and wanted to send letters from their students to ours. (I say us and ours, because I came to feel so personally connected to this project!) A symphony orchestra in Iowa…one of three orchestras contacted me wanting to help. Then there was the call from the Rutgers U, music fraternity wanting to donate the proceeds of its Annual Snow Ball. These are just a few of the calls from organizations and communities wanting to hold fundraisers for us.
Tama, a drum manufacturer, sent new drums and stands; and a music publishing company will send boxes of band arrangements, level-appropriate, to help restore the lost music library. Just a few days ago, I received a call from a man in Middletown who was planning a January birthday party for his wife, and in lieu of presents, would ask guests to write a check to Memorial School Music Dept. He said there would be a significant donation.
People called me ready to send contributions from $500 to $1,500.
I am amazed at the broad response to my call for help to put playable instruments into hands of the Memorial School Band. Thank you for helping me get the word out. A concert is being planned for March. I hope that all donors will be invited.
Many thanks…and wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Rosemary Conte
Lisa Dabreau
8:24 am on Saturday, December 22, 2012
Rosemary I knew this had to be you. As soon as I saw it say a woman from Matawan and music was involved. I've exchanged things with you, some musical, through freecycle. My kids go to memorial school, so for them and their fellow students, I say thank you and God Bless you!
rosemary conte
1:47 pm on Saturday, December 22, 2012
Lisa...thank you so much for your post. It has been a lot of work and I'm glad to know it's appreciated. I am not able to physically help those who are in need, so I was determined to use the technology that exists...and all the work was managed by computer and telephone!!
I'm so sorry for the confusion and anxiety your kids and others may suffer because of the Sandy event. Nobody gets through such a tragic event totally unscathed. Wishing you and yours a lovely holiday season, though it may be bittersweet...and the hope that 2013 will bring positive change.
GEOREGE LILLI
3:39 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Rosemary Conte" is without a doubt one of the most multi talented musicians that you will find anywhere today. Her contributions to the arts cannot go unappreciated she has given and has continualed to give generously for her entire life. Her heart and soul are totaly dedicated to antyone in need! What a Great Artist! What a great person.!
Ella Logan
12:45 am on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Rosemary, I think what you're doing is very honorable and a great way to give back to the community. I voted for you because I appreciate your musical talent, your many years of work and your heart - you have a heart of gold and that even a stranger can see. Best of luck!
Larry Crockett
7:04 am on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
I have know Rosemary Conte for over 20 years and she is a true treasure for musicians and the music community in the New Jersey New York tri state area. A dedicated mother of 2 of the most talented musicians to ever come from form the area along with two other children that are beautiful people and friends. She has tireslssy given her time, talent and money to help musicians and organizations for as long as I can recall. She deserves all of our praise ,support and vote! I vote for Rosemary all the way!!
Sticks Crockett
Jane Stuart
11:02 am on Saturday, February 16, 2013
It is with great pleasure that I vote for Rosemary Conte. She is a person with conviction, integrity and great compassion for her fellow human beings. I wish her all the luck in the world. She deserves it!
Jane Stuart
Maria Dexter Morreale
11:26 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Rosemary, so very deserving of this award....
A remarkable woman who overcame many adversities & gives her heart and soul to those in need & changes lives!!
Love You!!
Katie Hubner-Molino
8:52 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Rosemary ..you truly deserve this reward for your willingness and support you gave to Memorial School in Union Beach due to the devastation from Storm Sandy.. Thank You
Bernie
11:12 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Rose Mary Posted this on Dec 22nd, and it just getting here NOW?? She is a very dedicated person. Keep up ,the good works , Rose Mary
Jane Magdasy
8:41 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
Rosemary, I'm so pleased to vote for you! So deserving!! I've passed the info on to others to garner their votes, as well. Did you send it to Beatrice? If not, I will. Looking forward to the hearing the results of your win!! Love, j
rosemary conte
4:22 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Jane, thanks for your kind comment and enthusiasm for my nomination. I thought about Beatrice, and yes, I should send her a message about it. I hope all is fine with you. Love, Rosemary
Sher Bach
12:08 am on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Knowing what you've done for the music community, (not to mention that great production called Steve and John, LOL) you are so deserving of this recognition. Helping those who cannot help themselves through the healing power of song is remarkable. You, my dear, are a true gift!
rosemary conte
12:23 am on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Thank you Sher and all who have posted here in support of my work. Blessings to all! Rosemother