Concert raises $3,500 for homeless youth

To the editor:

The Spring Concert last Sunday afternoon by the Mat-Su Orchestra at the new Glenn Massay Theater on the Mat-Su College campus was a huge success. Thanks go out to Conductor Kate Patterson and to all the musicians for their commitment in bringing the gift of music to our community. The 50 musicians filled the stage with strings, horns and drums, and the audience responded enthusiastically to their music at the 550-seat theater.

The 10 selections ranged from old favorites like “The William Tell Overture” to the contemporary “Land of the Rising Sun and Ghosts of Antietam.” The sound was great, even in the back row. Kate and her musicians really delivered a great performance.

My favorite piece was the “Land of the Rising Sun”, especially the section with the taiko drums. Wow, each year the Mat-Su Orchestra gets better and the new Glenn Massey Theater is a terrific and much-needed venue for musical and theatrical productions, as well as a hall for educational presentations.

The Mat-Su Orchestra doesn’t charge admission for its concerts. Instead, they “pass the hat” for a local worthy cause. This year’s donations totaled over $3,500 and will go to MY House, the local nonprofit founded by Michelle (Carney) Overstreet to help Valley homeless youth. MY House provides services to our Valley’s homeless youth, including finding housing and employment, as well as case management.

Two young men told the packed audience how MY House had helped them get their lives back on track after being homeless in the Valley. They both described how they became homeless and how the MY House staff had provided them with the tools and support that allowed them to see a hopeful future instead of one of despair.

MY House is located at 300 N. Willow in downtown Wasilla and is staffed and supported by a wonderful group of Valley volunteers. Stop by their coffee shop/café and check out their operation. For more information, call 354-4357.

The Spring Concert by the Mat-Su Orchestra is what community is all about – various groups coming together to address problems and work on solutions. On Sunday afternoon we had wonderful music at a beautiful new venue that raised more than $3,500 for homeless youth. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Joe Irvine

Homeless Youth

Task Force

Mat-Su Coalition on Housing and

Homelessness