Concert raises $30K for music program

PORT CLINTON — With the help of an alumnus, a local school district raised tens of thousands of dollars for a school program. Port Clinton High School's Performing Arts Center successfully raised more than $30,000 to put toward its music program. It was due to funds raised at an Aug. 31 concert featuring Jill Felber, an internationally acclaimed recording artist from the Port Clinton High School Class of 1976 and pianist Dianne Frazer. The event was in memory of Earl Warnke, a Port Clinton High School graduate and long-time band director. "This concert is meant to pay back and to pay it forward to our Port Clinton music program and to pay tribute to all our music mentors past and present, who have created a memorable and meaningful music experience for Port Clinton students," Felber said. Because of numerous sponsors and alumni, the concert was free. The funds raised at the concert will be used to purchase new instruments for current students. While Felber and Frazer played the Miss America theme song, Jackie Mayer, Miss America 1963, took the stage as the event's master of ceremonies. The concert opened with "Stardust" as a tribute to Warnke. This was a song performed by the 1974 wind ensemble when it traveled to Holland for the International Tulip Time Festival. The ensemble placed third at that event. Warnke's daughter, Diane Warnke Hawk, took the stage to thank the audience and those who contributed in the production of the event. "When Jill called last March and wanted to perform in honor of dad, I was so touched," Hawk said. "I want to thank our dedicated committee for all of their hard work to make this concert possible." The members of the committee she mentioned included Jan Gluth, Julie Rosiar, Jane Held, Jill Bothe, Jane Harris, Suzy Wittenmyer, Jane Keys, Sean DeLong, Jennifer Barringer and Rick Henkel. Port Clinton Schools' website, pccsd.net, gives a full list of sponsorships and donors.