University of Toledo sorority members put hope to music

12/20/2008

A year in the making, "Hope for the Holidays," a 13-song CD featuring the women of Delta Delta Delta sorority at the University of Toledo, is available for purchase.

Of the 1,500 CDs made, about 600 have been sold for $15 each, said Kathryn White, a 21-year-old nursing major from Perrysburg who solos on one of the tracks.

The disc includes an original song by producer/musician John Andosca and 12 classics that are given stylistic treatments ranging from upbeat rock, jazz, techno, and acoustic.

All proceeds from sales of the disc will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, for which the UT sorority chapter has raised $40,000 in the last year, said White. Nearly two dozen Tri-Delta members contributed to recording sessions, most joining in for background vocals; about six are featured singers.

To pay the $11,000 production costs, the women worked at Cedar Point for a three-day weekend, organized a pancake breakfast, and solicited sponsors for individual songs, she said. They performed at Tri-Delta's national convention in Chicago in July and at a CD release party Dec. 6.

The idea grew out of UT's annual Songfest competition, which Tri-Delta won in 2008 and 2006. Andosca and other musicians worked with the sorority on those productions, White said.

The CD can be purchased online at trideltamusic.com. Information: e-mail tridelta@jpaentertainment.com.