The Pattonville and Parkway West High School orchestra programs are co-hosting a chili cook-off fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 18 at Holman Middle School.
“I was approached by the Pattonville Orchestra teacher to co-host this event together,” orchestra teacher Ed Sandheinrich said. “Our symphonic orchestra and Pattonville’s orchestra will each play some pieces alone, but some will also be combined.”
While participants eat the chili, they can also listen to both of the schools perform their music. Parents will bring the chili for the event and students from chamber and concert orchestras will be volunteering at the event.
“I expect it to be pretty fun and an exciting event for families with great music,” Freshman viola player Murad Abdeljabbar said. “I really just love to play music, just like some people like to sing. For me, the chili is just a bonus.”
People who attend will get a ticket to try all the chili. They will also get to vote for who they think the made best chili, who has the best decorated table and whose chili is the spiciest.
“Our main goal is to raise as much money as we can so we can update old instruments and make our orchestra sound even better. I’m very excited about the possibilities,” Abdeljabbar said.
West High’s symphonic orchestra will be performing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tickets are $10 for adults but after Nov. 11 they are $15. Tickets for children from ages up to age 10 cost $5 and includes a hot dog, chips and beverages. Desserts and beverages will be for sale at this event. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $12.
“I think it has the potential to be a lot of fun. There were some worries going into this event, is there enough food, is it going to be too long, so I’m kind of taking a leap of faith with this first one,” Sandheinrich said. “We’re going to be taking notes and learning from our mistakes so that next year’s will be fun, even if this year’s isn’t the greatest.”
West has a dozen pots of chili entered in the cook off, and so many people applied to participate that some had to be turned away.
“Everyone should come because it goes to help both orchestras. Even if you don’t love it, it still goes to a great cause,” Sandheinrich said.
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