UVA Wise Students Deliver Music and Meals to Those in Need

The first ever “Paths to Dignity” night served up cool jazz along with a fresh meal to nearly 30 local unsheltered residents, including children, organized and performed by students from UVA Wise.

Twenty-one members of the UVA Wise Jazz Ensemble performed a concert at the Econo Lodge Inn and Suites in Norton last week.

“It was an incredible experience to be a part of and play for. I believe that music, especially when performed live, is one of the most powerful things in the world,” said Max Turner, a freshman English major from Bridgewater, Va.

Turner, who has volunteered with his church back home to help the homeless community, said the evening was important because those who are homeless typically don’t have access to live music, especially jazz. For him, playing music that night was fulfilling in a whole different way.

“Doing this for the homeless community was important because they face so many challenges in their day-to-day lives. Giving them the opportunity to relax, have a meal and listen to some music was really amazing,” said Turner, who plays the trombone. “The most impactful part of the night was seeing the kids, who at such a young age have gone through difficulties, be able to dance and be like normal kids. It really showed that no matter our circumstances we really are all the same on the inside.”

The event was organized by UVA Wise Associate Professor of Music Donald W. Sorah, who oversees and instructs the College’s Jazz Ensemble, which is a community-engaged experiential learning course. The ensemble rehearses weekly alongside members of the local community in a symbiotic educational experience, and performs for the community each semester in an off-campus venue.

“The project this year brought the service-learning aspect to a whole new level and was by far the most meaningful performance I have been a part of during my 15 years leading the ensemble and others on campus,” said Sorah.

Senior Chloe Holmes, who is majoring in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics, agrees the performance was “most special” and was important for the community.

“I know the people are going through a hard time and to be able to know that our performance impacted them and made them happy and smile brings me so much happiness,” said Holmes, a Glade Spring native who has played the trumpet for nine years. “I think this performance was a way for them to break free of their hardships for a little while. It was a time for everyone to come together and enjoy some music to take their minds off of pressing matters. I know music brings me joy and peace and I hope it did for them.”

This year, Sorah was searching for a new off-campus location and the Symphony of the Mountains, of which Sorah is a member, had scheduled a concert including a violin concerto “Paths to Dignity.” The project works to bring music to unsheltered people through performances by symphony musicians at homeless shelters and food banks throughout the Tri-Cities region.

Sorah contacted the symphony conductor to see if UVA Wise could create its own “Paths to Dignity” event in Wise County. He then partnered with UVA Wise Associate Professor of Sociology

Christa Moore who oversees Circle K International (CKI), a service organization on the UVA Wise campus. Circle K students freshly prepared the meals minutes before the concert and handed out sandwiches, chips, drinks and snacks.

“This was my favorite service event that I have participated in. The music was very entertaining, and seeing the folks we were serving dance and smile was so heartwarming,” said Brittany Johnson, a senior psychology major and CKI member.

Some people in the local unsheltered community were not able to attend, but meals were delivered to them by the Family Crisis Support Center staff, Sorah said.

Other Circle K students including Allison Jones, Kaelynn Mabe, Walker Feck and Kert Gibson, along with Symphony of the Mountains conductor Cornelia Laemmli-Orth, participated.

Students who played saxophones include Andrew Helton, alto; Bethani Kiser, alto; Dawson Mulllins, alto; Michele Gamble, tenor; Trevor Mebane, tenor; and Kimberely Sturgill, baritone.

Those on trumpets include Jason Bailey, Ron Flanary, Shelbie Gilley, Chloe Holmes, Blake Lizarraga and Gideon Wells.

Jenny Cornett, Ryan Huntington, Shelly Molinary, Max Turner and Kelly Sorah played trombones. The rhythm section consisted of Richie Kennedy on piano, Mark Wooten on bass and Ben Bolling on drums.

The ensemble played: “Baby Drives a Fast Car” (Paul Clark), “Bag’s Groove” (Milt Jackson), “Belly Ache Blues” (Peter Sciaino), “Bring It On Home" (Jim Swearingen), “Count Bubba” (Gordon Goodwin, arr. Paul Murtha), “Moondance” (Van Morrison, arr. Roy Phillippe), “Superstition” (Stevie Wonder, arr. Mike Tomaro), “Wind Dancer” (Scott Stanton) and “Un Poco Más” (Paul Baker).