With the backdrop of a unique selection of locally crafted dishes and fresh fruits, the New River Friends of the Symphony held a special fundraiser luncheon at the Ashe County Arts Council Friday to help raise funds and support for orchestra performances at county schools this fall.

Committee member John MacConnell, who has been with the symphony advocacy groups since its inception, explained that the purpose of Friday’s luncheon was to generate funds to help bring the Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra to some of the county schools in October.

“We are trying to identify willing people who are familiar with classical music and might enjoy it and help support it,” MacConnell said. Although a total figure is unavailable, McConnell said that it would take over $5,000 to bring the orchestra to the county schools for a couple of concerts.

Jane Lonon, executive director of the Ashe County Arts Council, said that the NRFS is “an active standing committee of the arts council dedicated to increase the awareness for bringing symphony orchestras to the county and to make the opportunity available to young people through the art’s education program.”

As in past years, the committee has dedicated its time and resources to “encourage the performance and attendance of symphonic music in Ashe County,” MacConnell said. Stunning performances from the North Carolina Symphony, which at the time carried a hefty price tag of $16,000, and even the cheaper but equally enjoyable symphony orchestra from Appalachian State University have graced stages across the county; bringing an enriched cultural experience to all who attended. Virtually every orchestra that has come to Ashe County, he said, has performed in the county schools along with a public performance. Even though the committee will be unable to raise the funds necessary for a community concert, not even a $10 cover charge per ticket would cover the cost for the professional musicians; MacConnell said the WPSC is willing to perform at county schools instead.

The perks of enjoying a concert live, he said, are unrivaled by any form of recorded digital media and could help open the eyes of local youth to the art form that is harmonious symphonic music.

“It is one thing to go home and listen to a CD – anybody can do that – it’s another thing to go and hear a live orchestra; to hear the strings and the trumpets, the trombones, and to hear all the other instruments playing together. We are trying to instill that into the students,” he said. “It is like literature or art. There are so many different forms and it is important to be exposed to that.”

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the committee’s fundraising campaign can send a check to the ACAC at 303 School Avenue, West Jefferson 28694 or by contacting the office at (336) 846-ARTS.