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News & Photos
Eighth Notes Win for Sister School
The Eighth Notes eighth grade choral ensemble won $1,000 for their top-ten finish in the national Apple and Eve Fruitables Mash-Up Contest. Students plan to donate their prize to McDonogh 26, their sister school in Gretna, Louisiana.
The year was almost over when a member of the chorus found the contest announcement online and asked choral director Suzi Eldridge if they could enter. The deadline was less than a week away. Students had to perform an original medley of two or three popular songs. They chose Motown selections from a list provided.
"None of us thought that with just three days to compose, rehearse, videotape, write, and submit our entry we would receive even the smallest acknowledgement," said Eldridge. Online voting took place on the Apple and Eve Facebook site over a two-week period in May. All were urged to vote daily for their favorite mash-up performance. The school with the most votes would win the $10,000 grand prize.
"When the students at McDonogh 26 found out that we were one of 10 finalists in this nationwide competition they were thrilled, and our students were in shock," said Eldridge. While they did not win the $10,000 prize, students at the New Orleans school were extremely grateful for the $1,000 gift to their elementary music program.
"Every year I have an incredibly talented and motivated group of eighth graders in choir, but this year there was something more," Eldridge wrote recently. "I think the students in the Eighth Notes believed that they could make a real difference in their lives and the lives of others through their passion for music."
"We had a very busy year. Eighth Notes singers organized the MS Idol competition and raised over $4,000 for scholarships for our tour of Disney. They performed all over McDonogh at receptions and ceremonies and spent time singing to our lower schoolers."
"When graduation rolled around and we had a few last moments together as a class, we decided that the Eighth Notes would continue the relationship with McDonogh 26 and hold fundraisers throughout the years to keep their music program growing."
"Before they left for the year, I turned on a CD that the choir had made four years ago to help raise money for Cancer 101, a breast cancer support program. Their voices were singing the song 'Happiness' from 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.' As we listened to the last lyric 'Happiness is singing together when day is through, and happiness is those who sing with you,'it all made sense to me.
"These kids really love to sing and they have made, and will continue to make, incredible contributions to our school and community."
"I will miss them, but I know they will be in good hands. They're all yours, Mr. Olsen."
The Eighth Notes eighth grade choral ensemble won $1,000 for their top-ten finish in the national Apple and Eve Fruitables Mash-Up Contest. Students plan to donate their prize to McDonogh 26, their sister school in Gretna, Louisiana.
The year was almost over when a member of the chorus found the contest announcement online and asked choral director Suzi Eldridge if they could enter. The deadline was less than a week away. Students had to perform an original medley of two or three popular songs. They chose Motown selections from a list provided.
"None of us thought that with just three days to compose, rehearse, videotape, write, and submit our entry we would receive even the smallest acknowledgement," said Eldridge. Online voting took place on the Apple and Eve Facebook site over a two-week period in May. All were urged to vote daily for their favorite mash-up performance. The school with the most votes would win the $10,000 grand prize.
"When the students at McDonogh 26 found out that we were one of 10 finalists in this nationwide competition they were thrilled, and our students were in shock," said Eldridge. While they did not win the $10,000 prize, students at the New Orleans school were extremely grateful for the $1,000 gift to their elementary music program.
"Every year I have an incredibly talented and motivated group of eighth graders in choir, but this year there was something more," Eldridge wrote recently. "I think the students in the Eighth Notes believed that they could make a real difference in their lives and the lives of others through their passion for music."
"We had a very busy year. Eighth Notes singers organized the MS Idol competition and raised over $4,000 for scholarships for our tour of Disney. They performed all over McDonogh at receptions and ceremonies and spent time singing to our lower schoolers."
"When graduation rolled around and we had a few last moments together as a class, we decided that the Eighth Notes would continue the relationship with McDonogh 26 and hold fundraisers throughout the years to keep their music program growing."
"Before they left for the year, I turned on a CD that the choir had made four years ago to help raise money for Cancer 101, a breast cancer support program. Their voices were singing the song 'Happiness' from 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.' As we listened to the last lyric 'Happiness is singing together when day is through, and happiness is those who sing with you,'it all made sense to me.
"These kids really love to sing and they have made, and will continue to make, incredible contributions to our school and community."
"I will miss them, but I know they will be in good hands. They're all yours, Mr. Olsen."