Special fund-raising concert for inspirational teacher
16 October 2007
Former students of inspirational Manchester Music Service teacher Gerry Smith, who has terminal cancer, are organising a tribute and fund-raising concert for her on Monday, October 15.
Violinist Becky Sefton, aged 16, from Baguley, and friends are holding the concert at St. Paul's RC High School, Newall Green, starting at 6.30pm.
Said Becky, a student at Xavarian College in Rusholme: "Gerry was my violin teacher for five or six years and she had a massive impact on everyone, she did so much for us. We did countless concerts with her and she spent her life making us good pupils."
Becky, whose mother, Jackie, will be on the door with a collecting bucket, added: "When we heard what was happening to Gerry we wanted to give something back to her, to let her know that what she did for us has rubbed off on us and we are good people. She taught us music but there was a moral side about putting other people first."
The concert will raise money for St. Ann's Hospice in Heald Green, Stockport, which Gerry, from Bowdon, is supporting and which is providing care for her.
Musicians from the former South Manchester String Orchestra that Gerry ran as part of Manchester Music Service activities, will perform at the concert, along with Becky and fellow organiser, Elizabeth Simmons, aged 17, who was also taught violin by Gerry.
The choir of St. John Fisher/Thomas More Catholic primary in Benchill will sing at the concert along with choristers from Xavarian College who are former pupils of Gerry's.
Gerry taught violin and guitar at St. John Fisher for many years. Gerry, aged 48, is continuing to work from home co-ordinating music provision to schools for Manchester Music Service.
The Director of Children's Services for Manchester City Council, Pauline Newman, said: "Gerry is a special person who has inspired many people. The concert will be a proud moment for her and for all the people she has taught and helped over the years."
Media contact:
Dave Hulme, 0161-234-4610, m 07720 936073
