FORKS — Vote today, vote tomorrow, vote every day.
That’s what Forks Middle School students want North Olympic Peninsula Internet users to do to help the school win $50,000 for the Quillayute Valley School District music program.
Forks Middle School music students have entered a video in the “Glee” Give a Note contest, sponsored by the popular musical TV show “Glee,” and need votes for the video to get through to the next round.
“You can vote once a day every day until Nov. 7,” said Erika Rudnicki, Forks Middle School music director.
Every vote counts
To vote, visit the “Glee” Give a Note website at www.gleegiveanote.com and vote for the Forks Middle School entry.
Forks is one of the smallest districts in the contest and needs help from music supporters in nearby districts.
There are 20 entries from Washington state, but Forks is the only one on the North Olympic Peninsula to submit a video for the contest.
The Quillayute Valley School District music program, eliminated in 2005 during budget cuts, began as an after-school program in September 2010 and was reinstated as a class this year after voters approved a two-year $626,348 property tax levy in February.
When Rudnicki first arrived, she discovered that the music room had been used as a storage space for those years.
“We had to gut the room,” she said.
In its second year, the middle school program already has 130 budding musicians — two-thirds of the school population.
“These kids are excited,” she said. “It’s pretty insane.”
A music program debuted at Forks Elementary School in September 2011, but Forks High School still doesn’t have a music program.
“Glee” contest winnings would help bring music to every student, kindergarten through 12th grade, Rudnicki said.
The Give a Note contest will award $50,000 grand prizes to three schools, selected according to the number of votes they receive, by the original and creative content of the video and by the financial need of each school.
Ten schools will get $25,000, and 60 schools will receive $10,000 to support their music programs.
“We have a good chance of getting at least the $10,000,” Rudnicki said.
Winners will be announced Dec. 15 after voting ends Nov. 7.
In addition to voting for the “Glee” music video, the school needs instruments for students.
Seventy percent of Forks Middle School students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals, and these families cannot afford the cost of renting or purchasing their own instrument, which can cost $3,000 or more, Rudnicki said.
Instruments needed
The school is currently renting instruments for students who cannot afford them but is scrambling to find enough money for every student, she said.
Old instruments long forgotten in attics, basements or a storage closet can be used by students.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s working,” Rudnicki said. “We can get them working.”
To donate an instrument, drop it off at Forks Middle School or phone Rudnicki at 360-374-6262.
________
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
