Coastal Carolina University's Department of Music presents "Playing for Hope: A Musical Fundraiser to Assist Our Neighbors in Need" on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public, with no ticket required, and cash or check donations are encouraged.

This benefit concert features CCU music students and faculty in solo, chamber and ensemble performances. Groups include the Flute Choir, directed by Amy Hardison Tully, associate professor of music and associate dean of the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts; the CCU Saxophone Ensemble, directed by Dan O'Reilly, lecturer of music; the CCU Chamber Choir, directed by Terri Sinclair, associate professor of music and director of choral activities; and the CCU Jazz Combo, directed by Tim Fischer, assistant professor of music.

Playing for Hope is a unique, one-time event inspired by Cynthea Kelley, a CCU junior majoring in classical guitar who sings and plays guitar in the CCU Jazz Combo and is also a member of CCU's collegiate chapter of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Kelley approached Sarah Abushakra, faculty advisor of the group and CCU music faculty member, about organizing a benefit to help the people of Haiti.

"This evolved into a fundraiser that would help not only Haiti, but also our neighbors here locally," said Abushakra.

Co-sponsored by CCU's chapter of MTNA, Playing for Hope fuels recovery efforts for local and international groups facing adversity resulting from Hurricane Matthew. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross and Convoy of Hope, two organizations working with those in South Carolina, North Carolina and Haiti who continue to struggle with hurricane-related hardship.

"The audience can expect a showcase of some of the music department's finest performers," said Abushakra. "The concert will be an exciting array of styles from classical, to musical theater, to jazz, and everything in between."

Student performers in the CCU Saxphone Ensemble include Chris Colon, Bobo Ferguson, Crystol King, Austin Krigbaum, Ryan Mason, Tyler Montgomery, Riley Rabon, Stephen Sartin, and Colin Simmons; the CCU Flute Choir includes Asaiah Browne, Paizli Hill, Brenna Kallod, and Rachel Whyte. The CCU Low Brass Ensemble includes Neil Abercrombie, JT Abrams, Courtney Houston, Nick Lewis, Kyle Moultrie, Clinton Patton, Brandon Vaughn and Brayden Williams. The CCU Chamber Choir includes Roland A. Anderson, Emily E. Boronski, Kelsey M. Brooks, Nicholas K. Feaser, Taylor J. Giallanza, Courtney R. Gruber, Justin D. Hall, Rachel E. Hansen, Megan M. Hoffman, Ariana M. Hooberman-Pineiro, Robert K. Johnson, Deborah Kithianis, Andrew P. Kline, Valerie F. McDougal, Jessica T. Myers, Avery J. Noel, Kaitlyn M. Presley, Nicole D. Rabbitt, Amber L. Rahman, Ariel J. Roebuck, Katherine L. Rumrey, Jason S. Sherman, Rachel Unger, and A. Jason Wintz. The CCU Jazz Combo includes Tyler Hughes, Cynthea Kelley, Conner Mills, Micah Ray and Cameron Rider. Michah Ray and Jacob Abarbanell will each perform a marimba solo, and Amelia Dobbs and Maggie Renfroe will perform a vocal duet accompanied by Chris Wright on solo piano.

The MTNA advances the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music, according to its website.

Wheelwright Auditorium is located at 108 Spadoni Park Circle on the main Conway campus.

For more information, contact Tully at 843-349-2352 or atully@coastal.edu.