Small Town News

Concert raises $3, 800 for WCJC

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An audience of about 250 applauded often as classical pianist Alpin Hong performed for the recent Wharton County Junior College President's Scholarship Fund Drive at the Wharton campus.

Hong performed classical and modern-day pieces that brought the audience to their feet time and time again.

"We knew that we were going to experience a great performance by Mr. Hong just in light of his impressive credentials, coupled with the beautiful 9-foot concert Stein-way piano that we brought in for the performance," said Zina Carter, WCJC director of marketing and communications. "What we did not know was that he is also gifted with an incredible sense of humor, a humor that he ouefully connects to both his music and his audience.

"He expressed a sincere appreciation for his audience and related to people of all ages that evening. His life story was truly inspiring. His performance exceeded our expectations."

The President's Scholarship Fund Drive netted $3, 800 for student scholarships. This year's event will specifically fund the Tjy Pate Endowed Scholarship. WCJC established the event to help with the cost of tuition iin economically challenging times.

Hong, who is also a philanthropist, relayed his passion for arts education, sayying it is important to make children aware of the arts noting some never have the chance to experience the artss. He was happy to bring his Iperformance to a rural setting.

Hong went on to iinspire the audience with hiis personal story of success.. The Michigan native is the son of Korean immigrants.



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© 2011 East Bernard Express East Bernard, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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