District faculty, staff take stage to support the arts

By: centraljersey.com
The Hopewell Valley school district’s faculty and staff will take to the stage in support of the arts during the district’s fourth year of the Faculty Musicale.
Set for 7 p.m. on Jan. 21 at Central High School’s Performing Arts Center, the Faculty Musicale will feature over 50 faculty and staff members from all six district’s schools.
The event is presented by the CHS Music and Theatre Parents Association.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. Call: 1-866-967-8167 or Order Online: www.ShowTix4u.com to reserve tickets.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the public is encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Peter Griffin, the district’s supervisor of fine and performing arts, is "thrilled that the faculty and staff are willing to reveal their inner divas to students, co-workers and the community."
The evening promises attendees a wide range of "outstanding musical numbers from classical pieces and jazz to show tunes and rock music. Not wanting to ask from others what he wouldn’t be willing to give himself, Griffin, an accomplished drummer and percussionist, will perform an original contemporary vibraphone composition," said a spokesman.
Also performing for his second year is Superintendent Thomas A. Smith, along with members of the Stony Brook Elementary School staff in their band, "Mediocrity."
Debuting is the first ever Faculty Symphonic Band, which brings Gary Suabedissen, former CHS band director, out of retirement to conduct.
Before the event, attendees will have the option of purchasing a sheet of tickets to be used for bidding on an array of gift baskets filled with goods donated by families and local businesses.
This year, a "Night at the Theater" basket is available, offering a seat in the PAC, donated by the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation’s Take A Seat program, and four tickets to a CHS "Les Miserables" performance.
Refreshments will be available.
All proceeds will benefit music and theatre enrichment activities at the high school. The Performing Arts Center is located at 259 Pennington-Titusville Road.