Snow cone sales shave the cost of music lessons

Margie Davis
Diversity Institute Fellow

03.29.04

Printer-friendly page

The Belmont University chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota is hoping that there is no business like snow cone business.

Members of the music women's fraternity borrowed a fellow student's snow cone machine this week. They then set up shop under a gazebo in the center of campus and began selling four flavors of the icy treats to raise money that will be used to help students at Belmont Academy take private music lessons offered by graduate students and professional musicians.

The sale began Wednesday and was scheduled to continue through Friday.

"The lessons aren't cheap, and the academy doesn't offer scholarships," Elizabeth Elliot, a senior classical voice major who is the fraternity's president, said Thursday.

"Our aim is to further the inspiration of music throughout the world and our community. So we do fundraisers to pay for lessons for children who otherwise couldn't afford them."

Last year, fraternity members held a bake sale to promote the cause, but their exuberance crumbled when someone stole the $100 profit from a locked closet. This year's proceeds are being kept in a locked administrative office.

By mid-morning Thursday, the group had raised close to $55, according to sophomore music majors Amanda Miller and Robyn Watson, who took the day's first shift.

The duo called out to passers-by to "buy a snow cone for a good cause!" At one point, eight students stood in line to buy the cones for a dollar apiece.

As her shift ended, Miller instructed her replacement on the workings of the ice machine.

"Do not put anything but ice in it," she warned, while Watson toyed with the idea of giving the four flavors names related to Belmont University. The blue syrup was eventually re-christened "Bruin Blue," a tribute to the school's mascot.

Related

Articles by Winter 2004 Diversity Institute Fellows
Collection page for articles written by 2004 Winter Diversity Institute Fellows.  03.12.04