New Hope Helping Donates to the New Hope-Solebury School Band Boosters

The New Hope-Solebury School Jazz Ensemble class started on a high note when Gary Karlsrud from New Hope Helping presented a check to David Bachart, director of the New Hope Solebury School jazz and concert bands. The check goes directly to the New Hope-Solebury School Band Boosters organization to help pay for equipment and travel expenses.

The New Hope Concerts were started when local music venues had to close due to the COVID epidemic. There was no way for audiences to see live music and there was no way for musicians to have a venue to play or earn money. The concerts were originally held at New Hope-Solebury School parking areas where people could come and set-up lawn chairs and see live music in safe, socially distanced venue.

The first concerts were funded by New Hope Helping as a community support event at a time when people were shut in their homes and unable to enjoy live music. As the concerts continued, organizers sought out grants and sponsorships help fund the shows, support local musicians and have extra money to donate to the school music program.

This year’s concerts were funded by a grant from The Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation with sound gear provided by Electro-Voice and supported by local sponsors John and Peters, The Dubliner and Havana. New Hope Helping has also partnered with The Bucks County Playhouse to hold the concerts in downtown New Hope at the Playhouse Courtyard Gazebo Bar. The concerts continue to be a free, all ages event for everyone. The effort shows how a charity organization and sponsors can enrich the community and support the next generation of New Hope musicians.