Concert opens Empty Stocking Fund

The Empty Stocking Fund got off to a grand start Sunday with the Augusta Concert Band giving a rousing performance of holiday music at First Baptist Church of Augusta.

One of the songs that the band performed, Hannukah: Festival of Lights, was written by Martin David Jones, a music professor at Augusta State University.

The song was performed for the first time at last year's Empty Stocking Fund concert, and Dr. Jones said he thought it had done nothing but improve.

"It sounded even better this year than last," he said.

Near the end of the concert, the audience was able to sing along on Merry Christmas, Everyone! and White Christmas and were treated to a surprise visit by Santa Claus.

Bob Willing, who conducted the concert for the third year, said that he most enjoys seeing how much money is raised each year.

"I always enjoy doing this," said Mr. Willing. "I watch the paper every day to see the running total. It's just a lot of fun knowing how many lives it is going to affect."

The youngest member of the Augusta Concert Band, 18-year-old William Sessions, said he enjoyed performing as much as the audience enjoyed listening.

"These people love listening to music, and I think it's fun to be able to make it," said Mr. Sessions, who played clarinet and piano.

The oldest member of the band, Mac Smith, 67, agrees that performing with the band is fun.

"I played clarinet in junior high school, and then I didn't touch it for 50 years. Then I picked it up about five or six years ago and took lessons and have had a lot of fun," Mr. Smith said.

The Augusta Chronicle has sponsored the Empty Stocking Fund annually since 1930. In a down economy the charity raised a record $124,281.03 last year and provided food and clothing for many area needy families.

Reach Jonathan Overstreet at (706) 823-3708 or jonathan.overstreet@augustachronicle.com.