Student Musicians Band Together to Support Local Shelter

Holiday music filled the Student Union Building I Patriot Lounge yesterday as students came together to perform and raise money for the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter House.

 Senior Rachael Dickson was responsible for organizing and putting on the concert with the sponsorship of the Lutheran Campus Ministry. Proceeds of the concert were going directly to benefit the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter, also known as the Shelter House, in Fairfax.

The variety of instruments ranged from a harp, hammered dulcimer, bongos, guitar, and the voices of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity.

 John Callahan, community coordinator for Shelter House, spoke about the pressing need for item donations. Callahan contributed to the event by playing his guitar and singing along. 

According to Callahan, the Shelter House got its start in 1981 and is currently assisting 43 families in the shelter and transitional housing program. Transitional housing means that families will be able to stay in the family-friendly Shelter House for 45-60 days until they can move out on their own.

“This is really wonderful,” said sophomore history major Alex Bowers. “Its good to get people in the holiday spirit just before December.”

  Donald Bradner, a member of the largest and oldest men’s music fraternity in America Phi Mu Alpha, enjoyed being involved in the event.

“It’s a cool event,” said senior music education major Bradner. “Rachael asked us if we would help and we said of course; our fraternity is all about helping the community and advancing music in America. Hopefully it will bring joy into people’s lives.”

Phi Mu Alpha performed three a capella pieces for the event including “Hail Symponia” and holiday favorite “Jingle Bells.”

 A student working in the Patriot Lounge ended up listening to the concert accidentally but loved what she heard.

 “I think the cause of supporting the homeless is great,” said junior psychiatry major Mary Phan. “I really want to stay and hear the harp, not too many people play it.”

 Seniors Dickson and Grace Kendall performed a Trans-Siberian Orchestra piece on the harp and hammered dulcimer, respectively.

 “I’m pretty excited,” said freshman english major Emma Houll who got involved through Lutheran Campus Ministry. “I hope it is a success, it’s for a great cause and Rachael worked really hard.”

Shelter House is in need of essential everyday items such as hygiene, baby, and household items as well as an array of holiday gift items. To view the most up-to-date wish list  or to make a donation, visit www.shelterhouse.org.