If there is such a thing as a "good problem," Dundee-Crown science teacher Diane Elliman has one. More students are signing up to be part of the upstart "DC One Heart" performing arts coalition she is sponsoring than anyone expected.
"We are in the midst of putting the bands together and were taken by surprise by the amount of students who want to be involved," Elliman said. "Because of the number of responses we received, we have at least two bands. However, we do not have enough instruments for everyone. Some of the students know how to play but do not have an instrument."
Elliman is earnestly searching for loans or donations of musical instruments for the DC One Heart coalition. Specifically, the student performers need one or more keyboards, trombones, tubas, clarinets, saxophones, tamboras, and guitars. All instruments are welcome.
The coalition is made up of over 100 students in various subgroups. Already, there are singers, rappers, hoop shooters, four traditional Latino dance groups, two hip-hop groups, two R&B hip-hop groups, a technology support crew, and two Latino bands. Many of the teens in the coalition come from poverty or other challenging situations and would be considered "high risk" for not succeeding in school. Elliman said that most of the students have never been involved in school activities before, and they have never felt part of the school community.
DC One Heart also seeks the donation of used mats, on which the Quebradita dancers practice. The group would also appreciate any type of sponsorship available. The group's fundraisers have been moderately successful, Elliman said.
"Because of the large size of the group," she said, "we have not been able to raise enough money to cover the cost of T-shirts, material for the traditional Latino dresses, and other costumes for the One Heart performers to wear at the performances they give throughout the year."
The DC One Heart students practice diligently and often. They performed at the 2009 school talent show, the DC Oscars, Elgin Community College's "Idol" Competition (pictured with this news release on the D300 website), Fall Fest, the Community Cares event, Barrington High School's Latino Heritage night, DCHS pep rallies, and at Spring Hill Mall. The coalition now aspires for the bands to join forces with the Latino dance groups to perform together for the community.
"We will appreciate so very much any donation of musical instruments for the students in the DC One Heart bands," Elliman said. "This is another avenue for Dundee-Crown students to exhibit Charger Pride, become involved in school activities, and make their community a great place."