FUN-FILLED PRODUCTION AT MILLER SYMPHONY HALL TO SHOWCASE 120 STUDENTS
January 15, 2018, Allentown, PA – Join supporters of the Allentown School District Foundation on March 24 and see the creative possibilities that Allentown secondary students representing 51 countries can deliver! The 8th Annual HIGH NOTES Gala promises to be a global affair, with an international dinner and student production emphasizing that it truly is “a small world after all.”
In the past year, 5,332 Allentown School District students were able to participate in innovative enrichment programs that, without the support of donors to the Allentown School District Foundation (ASDF), would not have been possible. It is said every year: If you could help Allentown students experience academic, athletic and cultural activities many of us take for granted, wouldn’t you want to? The good news is you can.
The Gala production will include more than 120 students from William Allen High School, Louis E. Dieruff High School, and Trexler, Harrison-Morton, South Mountain and Raub Middle Schools. Students unite to open and close the show while promoting and celebrating the diversity that makes up the Allentown School District. As a revue type performance, the production is filled with short acts and music from Allentown’s best student performance groups. Groups include the Canary Cavaliers Jazz Band, the WAHS Dance Academy, Dieruff’s Select Choir, Dieruff Jazz Band, WAHS Chorale and award-winning theatre students performing snippets from the 2018 spring musicals.
Students from all 22 ASD schools are getting into the act by creating original artwork for the event that celebrates their diversity with drawings of international flags on handprints. Their handprints form the backdrop for the stage and will be the focus of table decorations for dinner.
Each year, the ASDF hosts the HIGH NOTES Gala, which sustains the Foundation’s mission and helps make possible important ASDF initiatives, such as:
Teacher Innovation Grants – awarding grants to ASD teachers and staff to create innovative learning opportunities in the classroom. This year, teacher innovation grants directly impacted 3,142 students with unique education projects.
- Volunteer Literacy Program – reading by volunteers once a week to kindergarten students in 60 classrooms across the City, teaching them basic language skills.
- An Allentown Adventure – teaching 325 students local history and graphic arts, starting with a book written by native Allentonian and teacher Janice Altieri and ending with tours of some of Allentown’s most notable cultural and business landmarks for inspired creative expression.
- ASD Science Fair – creating excitement about learning and exploring science for more than 800 middle and high school students competing for top awards amongst their peers.
- ASD New Music Initiatives – supporting 3rd grade Flutophone programs, a middle school strings program and ASD instrumental music students with lessons, instruments and opportunities to perform. Without the ASD Foundation, 1,500 students this school year would not have opportunities in music.
- Artist Residencies – inspiring 745 elementary students with visual art programs led by many well-known practicing artists, actors and teachers.
- National History Day – showing 457 students how to research and create informative presentations about an aspect of history that interests them and how to compete at regional and state competitions.
- ASD Showcase of Academic Excellence – showcasing high-quality academic projects at yearend, created by hundreds of Allentown students from all ASD schools. Students’ displays at Symphony Hall are recognized by the hundreds of parents, teachers and community leaders who come and see student innovation and ingenuity as revealed in their projects, videos, websites and more.
At the heart of HIGH NOTES 2018 is another educational opportunity: a performance by Allentown School District students featuring musical theatre highlights, student instrumentalists, academy dancers and choral music. This year, 100+ students will delight the audience with a special “sneak peek” of student talent from Allentown School District high schools and middle schools. The 2018 theme is “ONE WORLD.” The Foundation-sponsored production is a showcase of the City’s school spirit and the District’s rich diversity, with a “Parade of Flags, Representing All ASD Student Countries.” Starting at 8:30 pm, the production includes excerpts from each of six high school and middle school spring musicals this year: Aida (Allen HS), Side Show (Dieruff HS), Hairspray, Jr. (Trexler MS), A Year with Frog and Toad (South Mountain MS), High School Musical, Jr. (Raub MS), and Harmony (Harrison-Morton MS).
The International Dinner Menu by Sodexo Catering
Hors d’ oeuvres
Egyptian Pizza, Lebanese Lamb Kafta, Bangladesh Spiced Turkey Meatball with Indian Curry Sauce,
Peri Peri Shrimp, Falafel Cake Bite
Salad
Spiral Carrot Salad
Entrées
Baharat Rubbed Beef with Raita Sauce, Roasted Marble Potatoes and Vegetable Ratatouille
Cod Biryani (on Saffron Rice Cake and Vegetable Ratatouille)
Spring Vegetable Torte (Vegan Option Available)
Dessert
Arabic Coconut Semolina Cake with Citrus Syrup, Lime Curd, Pistachios and Turkish Delight
Individual Sliced Fruit Platter with Turkish Delight (Dietary Restrictions)
Ticket Purchases
| Production | Date & Time | How to Purchase Tickets |
| Dress Rehearsal
(great for families and seniors) |
Friday, March 23 @ 6 PM | Adults $12, Students $7
Millersymphonyhall.org – 610.432.6715 |
| High Notes Revue | Saturday, March 24 @ 8:30 PM | Adults $20, Students $10 |
| Hign Notes Dinner & Review | Saturday, March 24 @ 5:30 PM | $160 per guest
newhardv@allentownsd.org 484-765-4121 |
Sponsorships Available
Sponsorships are available and range from $300 to $15,000. Program advertising, table purchase or a combination of support ranges from Broadway student tickets ($150 per student), Baritone, Tenor, Alto, Soprano and Presenting Sponsorships. The fundraising goal this year is $150,000 with one-third covering event expenses; one-third supporting the Foundation’s operation; and one-third contributed back to the music and theatre programs of the secondary schools. HIGH NOTES is high visibility. Contact Susan Williams to support the Foundation with gala sponsorships – williamssu@allentownsd.org, 484-765-4093.
Allentown School District Foundation
With a vision for enriched education for Allentown School District students, the ASD Foundation mission is to encourage, promote and support innovative educational experiences for students in the Allentown School District. If you would like to learn more, please contact the foundation at 484-765-4093 or williamssu@allentownsd.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 328, 31 South Penn Street, Allentown PA 18105. www.allentownsd.org/asdf.
Press Release provided to TVL by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
