Music marathon hits the right note for Children’s Wish Foundation

HALIFAX – Christmas songs filled the air of a Dartmouth church Sunday, as dozens of children performed in a music marathon.

The Kids for Kids Music Marathon is organized by Andrea’s Music Studio every year. This year marks the tenth time the event has been put together.

Students, from as young as four-years-old to teenagers, performed Christmas songs and other music on the piano, guitar and drums or sang in five-minute blocks as part of the six-hour marathon.

The event raises money for the Children’s Wish Foundation.

“Kids are important. We want to be able to give to our community,” said owner Andrea Smith. “Our main focus is with children and trying to give them the joy of music. I think this is a perfect opportunity to be able to give the joy of life to kids who may not have that opportunity.”

Twelve-year-old Noah Machet performed the song White Christmas on his ukulele for the music marathon.

He admits he felt nervous but the jitters went away as soon as he started playing.

“It’s fun because you don’t have to play a lot and there’s continuous music pretty much,” Noah said about the event.

Noah said he likes the fact the event fundraises for the Children’s Wish Foundation.

“Some people have suffered a lot and you just want to give back to them.”

Hannah McCarville performed Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on her electric guitar.

“I felt  nervous but it was really fun,” she said.

The significance of the performance wasn’t lost on the young aspiring musician.

“It helps other children,” Hannah said.

Last year the event raised $2,000. Smith said the goal for this year’s event is to match or beat that total.

The music marathon has raised more than $10,000 over the last 10 years.