'Take Note!' concert brings Suicide Prevention Week to end

Last week's run of events, movies, lectures and exhibits to promote Suicide Prevention Week came to close Saturday evening at St. Mark's Chapel.

A cappella group "Take Note!" took the stage at the chapel to support the "Students First Fund." The fund is a UConn organization that raises money to help students who have faced serious life challenges and are dealing with emotional, physical or financial hardships.

"Take Note!" comprising approximately 25 adults from the Storrs area, sang a medley of songs. The eclectic arrangement had the choral group singing everything from Nigerian folk songs to Billy Joel, Pierre Certon, James Brown and Van Morrison.

During several songs the a cappella group used percussion instruments to add a little more jazz to the tunes they were singing. A tambourine and bongo were used in the piece "E Oru O" while vibra-slaps and other instruments were used in "Earth Song."

After singing 18 songs, the performers of "Take Note!" received a standing ovation from the audience. After the cheers and applause from the crowd the group decided to sing the "Peter Gunn Theme" (the famous song heard in "The Blues Brothers" movie) as their encore. The tune put big smiles on the audience's faces and the group received another large applause from its on-lookers.

Michele LaBonte, director of nursing at UConn's Student Health Services, said the a cappella group looked very appealing for students. LaBonte said the group has been together for about four to five years and they perform at charity events so organizations can raise money.

"They were here at 6 p.m. rehearsing," explained LaBonte who realized how much time and dedication the non-profit entertainers put into their group.

Barry Schreier, director of Counseling and Mental Health Services, said the concert was "awesome."

"The music was spiritual and current," Schreier said.

The director explained that the whole week of events promoting suicide prevention were very successful. A total of 1,000 community members and volunteers participated throughout the duration.

"This is the first time the event has been this large," LaBonte said, referring to the fact that this was the first year the suicide awareness period has lasted a full week and involved many student organizations.

LaBonte said the suicide prevention efforts will continue through out the year.