Pianist Dianne Frazer and Flutist Jill Felber were dynamic on the Port Clinton Performing Arts Center Stage during their recent concert on Thursday, Aug. 31 that raised more than $30,000 for the Port Clinton City Schools Music Program. (Photo by Julie Rosiar)

A great night of music at the Port Clinton High School Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Aug. 31 featured internationally acclaimed recording artist, Jill Felber, as well as the amazing generosity of music lovers from all around the area.

Felber, a member of the Port Clinton Class of 1976, along with pianist Dianne Frazer, performed in memory of long time band director, Earl E. Warnke.

“This concert is meant to pay back, and to pay it forward, to our Port Clinton Music Program and to pay tribute to all our music mentors past and present who have created a memorable and meaningful music experiences for Port Clinton students,” said Felber.

Thanks to the generosity of many local sponsors and Port Clinton High School alumni, the concert was free to attend and raised more than $30,000 for the Port Clinton City Schools music programs to purchase new instruments.

Sponsors included: Major Scale Sponsors, Hal and Diane Hawk-Crown Battery, Earl E. Warnke Family, Mary Beth (Murphy) Dubuc, e-Merge Real Estate Columbus, Ohio; Minor Scale Sponsors – Keith Montgomery Family, David Randels-former PCCS Music Staff, Jill Felber and Paul Bambach, A gift in Honor of Earl E. Warnke in tribute to Jill Felber, Ruth Thompson Huges, Don and Kay (Thompson) Barr, Debbie Warnke Strickling and Richard Strickling, Jim Stouffer – Catawba Island Club, Mark J. Kelley; Pentatonic Scale Sponsors – Port Clinton Music Boosters, Port Clinton Class of 1997, Edward Jones/Rick Rudolph, Fraternal Order of Eagles #2295,  Musical Arts Series of Port Clinton, Gerry and Kim (Felber) Brucken, Port Clinton Class of 1962, Dr. Mark and Tina Hablitzel, Deb Linger Neblo Class of 1976, Dr. David & Michelle Bodie, The Gabel Family, Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council, The Howerth Family, Paul Walker, Kay Zekany; Whole Tone Scale Sponsors, Kiwanis Club of Port Clinton, Linda K Kresser, Bobbi Englebeck, Diane Terp, Andrea Karshuk and Andrew Thomas, Gluth Building Contractor, John Smothers and Jane Held, First Federal Savings of Lorain, Ida Heineman Larsen, Port Clinton Class of 1970, Jane and Jim Keys, Port Clinton Class of 1979, Holley Larcey, Tracy Behrman, Autogate, Inc, Rhonda Newman McLean, Jane Kensok, Mike and Julie Rosiar, Scott and Linda Alexander.

Taking a bow and showing off an impressive benefit check for the Port Clinton City Schools Music Program were, left to right, Concert Organizer Diane Warnke Hawk, internationally acclaimed flutist Jill Felber and Jan Gluth, Director of Student, Staff and Community Development for the Port Clinton School District.

Class Challenge Participants were: Port Clinton Classes of 1962, 1970, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982 and 1997.

Jackie Mayer, Miss America 1963, served as Master of Ceremonies and took the stage as Felber and Frazer played the Miss America theme song. The concert also included a tribute to Warnke by opening with “Stardust,” a song that was part of the program when the 1974 Wind Ensemble traveled to Holland for the International Tulip Time Festival and placed third.

Diane Warnke Hawk, daughter of Earl E. Warnke, thanked the audience for coming.

“When Jill called last March and wanted to perform in honor of Dad, I was so touched,” said Hawk. I want to thank our dedicated committee for all of their hard work to make this concert possible.”

Committee members included Jan Gluth, Julie Rosiar, Jane Held, Jill Bothe, Jane Harris, Suzy Wittenmyer, Jane Keys, Sean DeLong, Port Clinton Band Director, Jennifer Barringer, Port Clinton Middle School Band Director and Rick Henkel, graphic design.

Sponsorships and donors are listed under the news with additional information at www.pccsd.netwww.pccsd.net.