Concert allows student musicians to transcend space in philanthropic effort for Maui

The Oshkosh Youth Symphony and Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Yukiko Grine and Austin Bolden, held a concert on March 9 to bring awareness to the devastation experienced by the Maui islands. Part of the proceeds were donated to Maui relief, helping those who were affected by the wildfires. Some of the songs were borrowed from the Hawaii Youth Symphony creating a concert directly related to the fundraising mission.

Student musicians felt honored to participate in the event. 

“I think it’s fantastic we’re fundraising, especially since it’s for such a good cause. It’s also great since Ms. Grine and her family have personal connections to it,” senior Jenna Mollenhauer said.

Oshkosh North senior Harry Hirschberg agrees.

 “I love it. We’ve never done something like that, and I’m glad we’re doing it; it’s just overall a good thing,” he said.

The origins of this fundraiser come directly from the classroom, created by students with the intent to help others.

“It’s an amazing idea quite frankly,” senior Charlotte Stellpflug said. “The idea was originally brought up by Bella [Mariucci] in orchestra class, when we were given Fantasy on Aloha ‘Oe, that we should do a fundraiser for Maui since the people there are struggling so much.”

 Mollenhauer emphasizes the need to keep the tragedy in the public’s awareness. 

“A lot of times stuff like Maui is a news story for a week, then everyone forgets about it,” she said. “There are still people who are struggling and I think it’s really great that we’re doing a little something to help.”

Senior Jackson Clarke wishes the group could maintain a similar focus in the future.

 “It’d be really great if they could do more events like that,” he said.

The stress behind creating a concert like this can hinder the experience for some.

“I was so scared for it, and that was the first time we played with the college kids,” Stellpflug said, “It’s hard to coordinate sometimes and we have to get used to the acoustics so it’s always quite stressful.”

The fundraiser changed some opinions for the better.

 “I always show up with enthusiasm and I’m really excited that we have a little something different going for this concert in that way and I like that we’re doing a song that goes with the fundraising to make more of a connection with the cause,” Mollenhaur said.

Sophomore Alex Fanshaw agrees.

“Fundraising or not, the concerts are always about putting on a good show and proving our musical abilities,” he said.

 This year’s show hits differently than past events.

“It’s more important than the other concerts we’ve done just because we’re doing this for a cause now, instead of just to play,” Hirschberg said.

Omro senior Felicity Richmond agrees, thrilled with the increased participation at the concert.

 “More people will come, now that they know it’s for something,” she said.

Not only does the concert give back to Oshkosh, but also those in Maui.

“It makes it more important because we’re doing something not just for our community, but also for people in a state miles away,” junior Adrienne Lee said.

by Ashley Schumann

Published April 1st 2024

Oshkosh West Index vol 120 issue VI