By Jasmine Franklin
Students and parents are in for a treat Jan. 15 when a Canadian a capella group, HOJA, performs at Ponoka Elementary School to help fundraise for the school council.
“I saw them four years ago and they’re great entertainers,” said Althea Lewis, music teacher for PES.
The group will perform two shows: one in the afternoon specifically for students, though anyone can attend, and one in the evening. Portions of ticket sales will go toward the Ponoka school council to help with education funds.
HOJA consists of band members Christ Martin, Kirk Dehaven, Scott Olynek and Trent Funk. The band formed in 1998 originally based in Saskatoon, Sask and over the last 10 years has recorded five CDs and preformed for more than 3,000 audiences.
What makes their performance different from other musical groups is the lack of musical instruments throughout their show. In fact, the only instruments heard are the voices of the four young men. They sing the parts of bass lines, lead vocals, tenor and baritone that help to mimic sounds of guitar, trumpets, drums and different sound effects.
The purpose of “community builder concerts” is to fundraise to support local schools.
A time has not yet been determined for the afternoon performance, but Lewis said the school will try to schedule it around the Olympic Torch arrival into Ponoka so the children have a chance to see both.
The evening show will be different from the afternoon show.
Tickets can be purchased at the PES office, $6 for students, $10 for adults and $30 for family packages. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start 7 p.m.