The Fresno City College music department is staging “Concert for Carnegie” to support the Wind Ensemble’s participation at the New York International Music Festival.

The Wind Ensemble along with FCC Handbell Choir and music instructor Larry Honda will perform in the OAB Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8.

Dr. Lawrence Sutherland, artistic director for the NYMF and former California State University, Fresno band director, will also join the benefit to guest-conduct a music piece.

The event will start with a special social hour at 6:30 p.m. The Handbell choir will also play during the social hour where the audience will get a chance to socialize, have drinks and snacks, and participate in a silent auction for items such as gift baskets. All of the proceeds from the auction will go toward the trip expenses.

“This is the first time I’ve done something like this,” said Dale Engstrom, brass and concert band instructor. “But I think it’s going to be a real special event.”

Engstrom said that the “Concert for Carnegie” will consist of two parts. The first half will have the music that Wind Ensemble may play during the New York International Music Festival. The second half will have lighter holiday Christmas music.

Concert for Carnegie is a fundraising event to help approximately 60 FCC students who are planning to participate in the New York festival.  The group is invited to perform from April 7 to 11, 2013.

“This whole trip is going to cost about $100,000,” Engstrom said. “And I would say we’re not quite a quarter of the way there.”

The tickets for Concert for Carnegie are $20 for general admission and $50 for VIPs. VIP tickets will include reserved seating and two drink tickets. For more information, contact FCC box office at 559-442-8221.