FORKS — Forks Middle School’s effort to win $50,000 in the “Glee” Give a Note contest came to an end at midnight Tuesday morning.
Now it’s up to the Give a Note judges, whose decision will be announced Dec. 15.
At the close of voting, Forks Middle School had received 3,227 votes and was in 145th place nationally — seventh in Washington state.
“It was pretty good, based on how small our town is,” said Erika Rudnicki, Forks Middle School music teacher.
“It was right on par with what I wanted,” Rudnicki said.
‘Fantastic’ effort
The community effort was “fantastic,” she said, and included many who voted every day and posted on Facebook to encourage others to do the same.
The national contest, sponsored by the musical TV show “Glee,” will award grand prizes of $50,000 to three school music programs, selected according to the number of votes they receive, on the original and creative content of the video, and by the financial need of the school.
Awarded regionally
Awarded regionally, 10 schools will get $25,000, and 60 schools will receive $10,000 to support their music programs.
The school’s effort has a good chance for a $10,000 prize or better, Rudnicki said.
The Quillayute Valley School District, which cut the music program in 2006, brought music back to the Forks Middle School in 2010 and the elementary school in September.
There will be a music program at Forks High School next year, located in the new music room in the new building.
However, that room is going to be pretty empty, Rudnicki said.
“We have just enough equipment and supplies for the middle school,” she said.
No one knows yet what the high school’s music program will look like when it returns next year or whether it will offer vocal or instrumental music or both, she said.
Instruments needed
Forks Middle School also needs instruments for students.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s working,” Rudnicki said. “We can get them working.”
So far, the school has been pledged three instruments: a flute, a clarinet and a trumpet.
Those are three of the most popular instruments and in demand by students, she said.
To donate an instrument, drop it off at Forks Middle School or phone Rudnicki at 360-374-6262.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
