BSM’s orchestra will get to share their music while helping those in need at the Empty Bowls fundraiser. The event is happening this upcoming March. It’s an international fundraiser for artists to help combat hunger and poverty. The first Empty Bowls was held 26 years ago, and its in uence is still continuing to expand. Participating artists hold two events; the first is to create and donate bowls, and the second is to serve a meal to those in need. Anyone is able to start or participate in an Empty Bowls fundraiser.

Empty Bowls was started by Lisa Blackburn and John Hartom in the 1990s. They wanted to do something to spread awareness and combat the negativity surrounding hunger and poverty in their area. Hartom, a high-school ceramics teacher, decided to combine the art of ceramics with his passion for helping the impoverished. People were inspired after they held their first fundraiser, and Empty Bowls then became a tradition that spread all over the country, and eventually, the world.

This event is being held at Westwood Lutheran Church on March 15. Caterers will bring soup to fill the bowls and people’s stomachs. Those who attend the event are also able to purchase the bowls that the artists made by making a donation. The money raised from selling the bowls then goes towards charities that are trying to tackle the issue of hunger. There is a stage for the students to perform on, and during the dinner, the BSM orchestra will play music for everyone. After their performance, they will get to eat the food the caterers provided. “This will be my second year attending Empty Bowls, and it’s kind of cool because the people actually listen to our music and appreciate it,” senior and violin player Grace Ryan said.

The BSM music department brings their talent to New York. On February 15, the BSM music department headed to New York City to see the lights, a bit of Broadway as well as getting to perform themselves.

The trip consists of band, choir, and orchestra members to represent all of BSM’s musical talents. Choir teacher Mr. Adam Petroski took the lead for this trip and did the majority of the planning for the events that the students will be attending. “Anyone who was interested from these three high school classes had the opportunity to attend if they wish,” Petroski said.

Attendees of the trip will be doing a lot of sightseeing. From the Radio City Music Hall to a few Broadway shows, the itinerary is packed with events that are a music-lover’s dream. “I am very excited to see the Broadway shows. We are seeing ‘Aladdin’ and ‘School of Rock,’ which will be awesome,” senior orchestra member Drew Check said.

Aside from witnessing many outside musical performances, the music departments will all be doing their own performing. The band and orchestra will be performing at St. Paul the Apostle, and the choir will be performing at Saint John the Divine Cathedral. “I am looking forward to the Choir performance at the largest Cathedral in the Western Hemisphere, which is at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and the Red Knotes singing in Times Square,” Petroski said.