CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — "I love music and I love participating in it!" said Abby Heras, Unit 4 District Music Coordinator. When Heras isn't teaching music at Franklin Middle School STEAM Academy, she is performing with her bandmates.
"See, there's a handful of teachers in the district and in Urbana schools that participate in bands outside of the school day..." Heras explained.
That moment came knocking for band and music teachers to come together.
"I just kind of put it together and asked people if they would play in this benefit concert, and everyone was on board!" shared Michelle Gonzales, Executive Director of Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation.
Gonzales brought bands and performers from all over the community to get back on the stage, and raise some money for the foundation. Each ticket sold goes directly back into the classroom.
"Our foundation raises money for teachers to provide grant projects and activities for our students in our public schools..." she said. Gonzales added with a smile, "Actually, there is a teacher, staff member or student in each of the bands that are represented today."
The "We Are The Schools" Music Fest was held in the City Center, and featured eleven acts. With genres spanning from punk rock, to jazz, to mariachi, Gonzales wanted to highlight the many forms of music across Champaign-Urbana.
For teachers performing, like Heras, she said it's a full circle experience playing with former mentors. "The clarinet player in the first band was the band teacher to the drummer in our band!"
The C-U Schools Foundation is looking forward to more of these community events, to help raise funds for teachers and spread awareness to educators.
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