Orchestras Collect More than 100 Teddy Bears for Children

The ’s orchestras had a little bit of company on stage Thursday evening, as they were joined by more than 175 teddy bears.

The teddy bears were collected as admission to the . The bears were lined up along the front of the stage and along ledges on walls to the left and right of the students. Director Steven Cocchiola said the bears would be delivered to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland and the Aluminum Cans for Burned Children winter camp on Friday.

All four of the high school orchestras—the chamber, concert, string and symphonic orchestras—performed in the concert on Thursday. Cocchiola said the groups typically have one concert each quarter. The orchestras have done the teddy bear donation once in the past, and Cocchiola said he would like to see it become a regular event.