Chelsea House Orchestra Plans Benefit Concert on Sept. 16

A featuring the Chelsea House Orchestra will help raise money for a trip to Philadelphia by Chelsea High School music students.

The event is set for Sept. 16 at Silver Maples of Chelsea, 100 Silver Maples Drive.

Chef Tom Zigman will serve brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with an omelet station, hot and cold buffet, baked goods, and beverages; and the concert will follow at 2 p.m. The Celtic ensemble will also have CDs available for purchase.

The Chelsea Orchestra, founded in 1996 by CHS music teacher Jed Fritzemeier, has performed on Celtic Festival stages and fairs throughout the area, including the St. Andrews Highland Games and Saline Celtic Festival.

Tickets are available at Silver Maples, and are $8 in advance for adults, $10 at the door; and ages 12 and under $6 in advance, or $8 at the door; and free for children under age 5. A $5 per person donation is suggested for those attending only the concert.

Silver Maples is co-sponsoring the event along with former Chelsea Community Hospital CEO Will Johnson.

“Our family has been privileged to call Chelsea home since 1975,’ Johnson said. “We look for and welcome opportunities to support institutions and services that make Chelsea special. Silver Maples and the Chelsea House Orchestra are terrific examples.”

Shawn Personke, activity director at Silver Maples, said she is looking forward to the concert.

“Will very graciously donated the performance to Silver Maples and we’re delighted to work with the CHS music department to bring this event to the community,” Personke said. “The Chelsea schools music program is just a wonderful asset for all of us. Both of my kids were involved in the program and still benefit from the experience. The directors are so dedicated and passionate about what they do. We’re very lucky.”

The CHS music department will take one band, one choir, and one orchestra to Philadelphia for clinic sessions, visits to a college school of music, and participation in a national music festival.

“We’re fortunate to teach in a community that appreciates the arts and arts education, especially in the musical arts,” said Rick Catherman, CHS music teacher and band director. “We’re proud of a faculty that works hard in the classroom, and works in leadership positions in each of our disciplines across the state. We’re proud of our students and the work they do. The effort and
enthusiasm they bring to the classroom, and to the stage – or the field – inspires me to do even more to find ways to expand their musical learning experience and trips."

For more information, call Silver Maples of Chelsea at 734-475-4111.