Gateway business group produces another music CD

Find out just who’s behind creating a new musical album, to benefit the Parkrose High music program, and why they’re doing it …

The GABA “Keystone Kops”, Alan and Brad Sanchez, heckle their dad, concert pianist Fred Sanchez of Realty Brokers – and also President of the Gateway Area Business Association.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Coming off the collaborative success of producing, sponsoring, and selling a music album with students at David Douglas High School last year to benefit their music program, the leadership and members of the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) decided to do it again this year.

See our story about the David Douglas High music project: CLICK HERE.

This year, Parkrose High School band and choirs are working with pianist Fred Sanchez to prepare a classical music album, with all proceeds supporting the Parkrose Music Department.

“We’ll be presenting a variety of music,” said Sanchez, as he went into a rehearsal session with the band on March 1. “This will present a wide variety of good music, from the classics to popular music, and yes – even some boogie-woogie.”

Parkrose Middle and High School Band Director Randy McCray checks the tempo of the music they’re about to rehearse with Fred Sanchez.

“This is an incredibly generous gift from the Gateway Area Business Association,” exclaimed the school’s band director, Randy McCray. “It’s really amazing.”

It amounts to more than just the instruments which the money raised can repair and purchase, McCray added. “Anytime the kids see that people in the community care about them, it’s valuable. They feel encouraged to pursue music a little more diligently.”

Because the project is underwritten by sponsors, Sanchez said that all of the funds derived from sales will go to the school’s music programs.

Sponsors include: Adventist Medical Center, Dignity Memorial, Realty Brokers, Wholesale Printing USA, Pacific NW Credit Union, Elmer’s Restaurants, Hollywood Chiropractic, Stevko-Frary Family and Argay Square.

No one – not even band leader Randy McCray – is immune from prosecution (or is it comedic persecution?) from the long arm of the GABA “Keystone Kops”!

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