The Assignment:To format a press release (including an original boilerplate) for a fictional benefit concert. The most important thing this assignment taught me was how to put a positive spin on an organization or event without using biased language. It also taught me how to create an effective boilerplate, or statement summing up the organization's beliefs. Finally, it taught me to be succinct. All journalism is supposed to be short and to the point, but a press release shouldn't go over a page, so I really had to put that lesson to work.
|
12-year-old organizes benefit concert with the Italian Community Center for Japan's earthquake victimsMILWAUKEE - Ashley Barret, 12-year-old violinist, has organized a benefit concert for the victims of Japan's 9.0 earthquake, which happened in March 2011. The concert is scheduled to take place on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Italian Community Center. It will feature local musicians Bach Babes, Concord Chamber Orchestra, Prometheus Trio, and violinist Samantha George. Almost all of the proceeds will go to the victims, with a small amount going towards the reduced hall rental price and food. The musicians generously donated their time; Sefanie Jacob, the Prometheus Trio pianist, explained her enthusiasm for the concert. “Music is the universal language of empathy... This is what we love to do. Music is the great communicator,” Jacob said. Jacob has known Ashley Barret since Barret was 5. “She is a fairly extraordinary young violinist,” Jacob said. Barret has attended and played in benefit concerts since she was 3 1/2 years old. Since then, she has studied under a number of prominent musicians and performed in multiple ensembles, including Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Philharmonia and the Violin Virtuosi of the String Academy of Wisconsin. “I just thought that’s pretty cool that a 12-year-old put together all of this. She thought outside herself... she wanted to do something to help,” Jacob said. Ashley contacted past ICC president and retired Circuit Court Judge William Jennaro, who presented the idea to the ready-to-help ICC. Ashley decided to help after watching the earthquake on the news. “People were suffering, and I thought it was awful,” she said. “...I wanted to help.” Anyone can contribute to the cause by purchasing a ticket through Ticketmaster at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts Box Office. General seating tickets are $50 and premium seating costs $75. In addition to purchasing tickets, donations can be sent to Notes of Compassion for Japan, North Shore Bank, 4414 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, 53211. The Italian Community Center is an organization dedicated to promoting multiculturalism in the greater Milwaukee area, and creating a sense of unity and compassion among all people, regardless of origin, while maintaining the importance of remembering one’s roots. The Italian Community Center hosts Italian cultural events, as well as various charity events throughout the year. ###
|