LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – The Greenbrier East High School Choral Department warmly invites the community to the annual Fall “Meet the Choirs” Concert and Community Food Drive at 7:00 pm in the Eastern Greenbrier Middle School Auditorium. This year’s concert not only celebrates the joy of music and camaraderie but also the spirit of giving, as the GEHS Choral Department partners with Alderson Food Pantry and Mom’s Café (an outreach ministry of the Rhema Christian Center) for a fall food drive supporting local families in need.
Under the direction of Doug Torres and accompanied by former East Choir Director Susan Adkins, the concert will feature the Greenbrier East Spartan Chorus, the Vocal Chamber Ensemble, and the Greenbrier East Concert Choir. These groups will be presenting a program filled with music that inspires reflection, gratitude, and getting to know one another. From choral standards to contemporary works, each selection showcases the students’ hard work and passion for sharing their voices with others.
“Without the support of the community, our choir program would not be what it is,” said Torres, Choir Director. “This concert is a way for myself to get to know the community, for the students to showcase their talents. Along with that, this concert is our way of giving back – to say thank you for showing up for us, for cheering on our students, and for helping keep the arts alive. Music connects us all, and this concert is about celebrating that connection while also making new ones.”
The students are what make any successful choir program. When Ella Butler was asked about the concert, this is what she had to say.
“I’ve always loved singing in choir because it’s a place where I can truly be myself and express my passion for music,” said Ella Butler, a junior at Greenbrier East High School. “Over the years, I’ve realized that choir isn’t about being perfect singers, but it’s about the friendships and memories made that will last for a lifetime. I think it is such an amazing thing to incorporate the food drive with our concert! Being able to share our voices with others while giving back to the community makes this event even more special.”
Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to contribute to the Alderson Food Pantry and Mom’s Café. Every item donated helps local families and strengthens the bond between the choir department and the community it serves.
“When our students see how their voices can make a difference – whether through song or a simple act of kindness – they begin to understand the true power of music,” added Torres.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, November 21
Time: Concert Starts at 7 p.m., Doors to the Auditorium open at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Eastern Greenbrier Middle School Auditorium
Admission: Donation to the Community Food Drive
Food Drive: Please see the list below to see what both pantries are looking for
• Alderson Food Pantry: 100 in each of the following (makes it easier for distribution)
o Cans of Pinto Beans, Cans of Kidney Beans, Cans of Corn, Sandwich Bread, Flour, Sugar, Corn Meal, Chicken Noodle Soup, Canned
Vegetables, Canned Fruits, Any Non-Perishables
• Mom’s Café
o Any size diapers, any size pull-ups, baby wipes, bottles, Nutella, peanut butter, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry
detergent, whole grain pasta, evaporated milk, canned vegetables, dry cereals, any non-perishables
• There will be boxes for you to place any of the items on either side of the auditorium entrance for both groups. When you enter, please place your donations in the boxes. During/after the concert, the boxes will be located in front of the stage in the auditorium for those who were unable to donate upon arrival. The GEHS Choral Department, Mom’s Café, and the Alderson Food Pantry thank you for your support in this endeavor.
For more information, please get in touch with Doug Torres, Director of Choral Activities, at jeremiah.torres@k12.wv.us or 304-647-6464 ext. 1902.
