Fundraising Update for Orchestra School of Puerto Vallarta Jam Session Alison Normanton - Amigos de Bucerias
May 28, 2015

Orquesta Escuela de Puerto Vallarta (Arturo Montero)

Standing room only! The crowds came out to support the  25+ musicians (from 12 - 70 yrs old), pro and amateur who "just jammed" from 6-10pm. Dancing on the beach, the "chicle kids" joining in, lots of music, lots of love!. That's team work folks!

During the open 4 hour mic session there were two generous donations of musical instruments to the Orchestra School of PV, (based in El Pitillal) of which 2 young musicians taking part yesterday are students who live in Bucerias.

An alto sax and a second hand beginner's clarinet were given to the 4 year old OEPV and on top of that, pledges were received for instrument donations to come later in the year. Your cash donations amounted to a staggering 8,150 pesos! This amount of money pays for many things, not least of which is a student's tuition for almost one year!  

Amateur Pop and Rock Singer with "The Good Stuff" and OEPV music student Andra Beltran (Bucerias) was presented with an alto sax for the OEPV, which she was totally unaware she was nominated to use for her studies in el Pitillal. 12 yr old beginner OEPV student Iyari from Bucerias made her public debut on her violin to the accompaniment of Doug DeMeerleer on bass.  Despite being terrified she got the "stage bug" and came back to perform another number (theme to Titanic) later in the evening!

All this good stuff was possible due to the generosity of residents and guests in our area.  This spontaneously organised jamboree was just the first of many musical events we will be doing during the coming months and years as we raise awareness and funding for the continuation of this worthy NON-PROFIT, NON GOVERNMENT FUNDED cause. Everything you need to know is on the beautiful 9 minute video above, please take time to look at it.

Representing the OEPV's partner orchestra "Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra" (PVCO) now in its 9th season, were Doug DeMeerleer (double bass); Randall Scott (mandolin, guitar, clarinet); Josvani Gamboa (Cuban trumpet) and Martin Montenegro (jazz tenor sax and guest performer at PVCO). Event co-ordinator and co-organiser Alison Normanton (2nd violin) provided the "glue".  

Thanks so much to everyone who made Sunday's fund raiser "open-mic jam session" such a fun and successful event. BREAKERS Colin, Michele and Marty thank you so much for giving us the place and space.

See Facebook pages for more pictures!

Thank you music lovers everywhere. Feel free to email me (Alison)  if you have any questions or want to become involved, donate an instrument or money, become a sponsor or patron, wherever you are in the world! Thank you so much.

Read related: Bring Your Voice, Your Instrument and 'Just Jam' at Breakers Beach Club on Sunday

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