Musicians play in name of charity

Penn Musicians Against Homelessness filled Dunlop Auditorium with classical music during a concert Saturday evening to raise money for community services in University City. Donations made by those attending the free concert go to groups like the University City Hospitality Coalition, an organization that helps to feed and provide support for the homeless, according to Penn Musicians co-president Shari Bart. The group's goal is not only to raise money for the homeless but to provide the University community with an evening of music that is rare to find in this area, the College sophomore said. "What makes this concert different from other concerts is the amount of chamber music and solo works performed," Bart said. Bart said many of the group's members not only perform at concerts but are also actively involved in programs to help the homeless in the area. Members volunteer at local soup kitchens, work for the Hospitality Coalition and are involved in other areas of community service. According to Bart, not all of the group's members play instruments. Some are interested in the performance of music as a means of community service and help out at concerts in technical areas like recording and lighting. Penn Musicians also performs a concert on campus in the fall and plays at the Ronald McDonald House and the Rudolphy Home for the Blind throughout the year, said co-president Fan-fan Yu. This year's group consists of a diverse group of musicians, according to Yu. Members of the Penn Symphony Orchestra, several pianists and a Swarthmore College student performed solo and chamber works Saturday night. Students performed selections by Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven and Gershwin, reflecting some of the many styles of classical music. Members of the group said they enjoy the opportunity to play these types of pieces at Penn while helping out the area's homeless. "It gives me a chance to play. Not often do you get a chance to perform," said David Polesky, a Wharton and Engineering sophomore. "Everybody likes to help in some way that they can, so it is beneficial to the community as well as me." According to Yu, the group raised approximately $600 for the homeless at last year's spring concert. All proceeds to the homeless come from donations since the group does not charge admissions, Bart said.

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