Music Inspires Garden City HS Symphonic Band To Give Back

GARDEN CITY, NY — Garden City High School's Symphonic Band spent time this spring working on the piece "(Risk) Everything for a Dream" by composer Richard Saucedo. The inspiration for the song was based on the mission of the United Sound nonprofit organization, which strives to provide instrumental music experiences for students with special needs.

Several students, moved by the music and its cause, approached band director Daniel DellaMonica with the idea of conducting a fundraiser for United Sound. As a result, they raised $752.32 by selling "Playing for UnitedSound.org" T-shirts. According to United Sound Program Director Dorean White, the proceeds will go toward registration fees for 32 students in need of financial assistance.

"I work with students with special needs in a summer program, so when I found out about the organization, I thought that it would be great for us to help them out,” sophomore Cecelia Van Blenis said.

After Saucedo was informed about the fundraiser, he joined the Symphonic Band class via Skype. He worked with students on the music and shared special insights on his piece that motivated the philanthropic endeavor.

"He could not believe, that after what we had been through this year, that the students were able to perform at such a high-level,” DellaMonica said. “We are very grateful for this experience and we found it inspiring, to work with the composer, and to be able to make a contribution to this worthy cause.”