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Auditorium Sound System Fund-Raiser: Promoting A Sound Investment

The music and drama clubs have been waiting a long time to improve the sound

system in the Newtown High School auditorium. Finally, they have united in an

effort to raise funds to make it a reality.

According to school officials, the sound quality in the auditorium has been

poor ever since the school was built in 1970. The installation of new speakers

and amplifiers will be required to upgrade the existing system.

A fund-raising drive has received the support of both Superintendent of

Schools John R. Reed and NHS Principal Bill Manfredonia.

Technical Director Tom Swetts, Director of Music Michelle Hiscavitch and

Choral Director Ann McNulty have been meeting to discuss each of their needs

and how to solve them. Consultant sound engineers have been brought in to

balance the sound.

According to Mr Swetts, $90,000 will need to be raised in order to achieve a

better level of sound. Private funds will be raised so that the cost of the

project does not have to be included in the Board of Education budget. In the

coming months, local businesses, professionals and individuals will be

solicited for donations.

Campaign chairman Kevin Braun has taken on the project along with a group of

parents to ensure that the funds are generated. He feels that the benevolence

of the community should allow the goal to be reached quickly. School officials

are hoping the project will be completed for next season's musical and

dramatic concerts and productions.

A selection of personalized plaques are now available for those who are able

to make donations. The plaques will be hung in the auditorium. Checks for the

donation amount should be made out to: "NHSCP Inc. - Sound Project" and are a

tax deductible charitable contribution. Contributions should be given to a

drama parent volunteer or sent to Newtown Drama Parents, c/o Newtown High

School, 12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482.