Singing faculty stage benefit concert for students

Most people have heard of the 'singing Christmas Tree' but how about singing faculty?

Adult Basic Education teachers at Vancouver Island University are staging a benefit concert Friday, November 28 to raise money for students who need financial assistance for their education.

Teachers Tom Leavitt, Paul Hurwitz, Lynn Redford and Graham Sheehan, along with former Bookstore employee Jim Powell, will perform original songs and covers during the first annual benefit concert for Adult Basic Education students. 

“All of us have our own CD’s or are involved in various bands,” said Leavitt.  “There’s a lot of talent in our department so we thought why not organize a benefit concert for students? All proceeds will go towards ABE student scholarships. They really need our help because for many of them, there’s very little financial assistance available.”

Leavitt, who teaches math and physics by day, has performed in the Tanglewood and Wavelength bands. Faculty member Graham Sheehan is part of Gabriola Island's Brickyard Band while Paul Hurwitz performs with Organic Lettuce.

The ABE benefit concert takes place in the Malaspina Theatre at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, 900 Fifth Street on Friday, Nov. 28 from 7 to 9 pm. Tickets are $10 ($5 for students) and available in advance at Music Maxx on Comox Road, at VIU’s Adult Basic Education office at 900 Fifth Street (Building 205) or at the door.

Adult Basic Education courses are offered at VIU’s four campuses in Nanaimo, Duncan, Powell River, and Parksville-Qualicum in in English and math, computers, and science. 

“We help adult learners return to school and be successful,” said Tony Bellavia, VIU’s Director of Career and Academic Preparation. 

Since 1997, over 3,500 adult learners in Parksville/Qualicum and another 10,000 in Nanaimo have successfully completed the ABE program. Students can obtain their high school diploma and pursue a new career or job, or complete prerequisites for trade, career or university programs.

For information about ABE programs, call (250) 248-2096 in Parksville or (250) 740-6425 in Nanaimo. For information about the benefit concert, call (250) 740-6250.