In May 2008, China’s Sichuan province experienced a catastrophic earthquake that killed almost 70,000 people. Another 375,000 were seriously injured, and 4.8 million more lost their homes. Despite the immense distance between China and the University, many of the students and faculty here felt the impact of this tragedy.
Graduate Education student Jie Chao, a member of the Chinese Student & Scholars Society, was particularly affected. She and other members of CSSS set up donation boxes in the chemistry building and sent e-mails to friends asking for donations. Tom Rose received one of these e-mails, and thus a partnership was born.
Rose and Chao had something in common — neither one wanted to feel helpless anymore. Instead, they wanted to take meaningful action. When Rose received the e-mail, he recognized a group that could put his idea for a fundraising concert series into action.
“This is the only thing I know how to do,” Rose said in reference to the concert series. Rose works at the University for the Education School’s technology support staff but defines himself as a graphic designer and musician. With Rose’s musical contacts and prowess, and Chao’s and the CSSS’s finances, they were able to put the concert series into action.
The concert series began Aug. 1 this year. Since then, 16 concerts with musical styles ranging from classical to jazz to bluegrass, along with a large variety of rock bands, have been held. Artists have included amateurs and professionals alike.
Rose, who has been in charge of booking all the artists and venues, developed the idea as a result of his belief in the power of music.
“Music has pretty much been the food of life as long as I can remember,” he said. “The philosophy is a diversity of people coming together. We want to have a good time because we’re lucky enough to celebrate.”
Chao has been touched by the reaction to the project.
“It feels like home,” she said, adding that though many international students feel isolated from the Charlottesville community, “this particular project brings people together.”
The concerts span a variety of venues in Charlottesville including Rapture, The Outback Lodge and First Baptist Church. Support for the relief effort has come from a variety of sources, mostly notably the Education School, the International Studies Office and the University Alumni Association.
Both Rose and Chao emphasized the importance of the contributing musicians and the volunteers. With a core group of six and more 40 other volunteers, this project is still a massive effort that can always use more support.
“It’s been truly amazing,” Rose said. “But there are never enough donations.”
The Alligator Concert, the next installment of the series, is scheduled for Sept. 12 at Uncle Charlie’s Smokehouse. It is an excellent opportunity to hear some good music and donate to a worthy cause.
“We’re all neighbors, part of the same community,” Rose said. “It is this sentiment that brings out the best of our society. We’re all members of the same global community, and we’re all in a place to help other humans in need.”
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