SFES: Acoustic Shells, Pickleball and Mannikins, Oh My!

Who knew that acoustic shells could make such a big difference in the listening pleasure of an audience? Apparently, the Music Directors Corey Killian (Band) and Anthony Ferreira (Vocal) at Suffield High School did and after attending the fall SHS concert, all of us present at that event did, too! The shells, usually made of a hard reflective surface such as wood, are placed behind the performers on stage and both reflect and amplify the sound from the musicians to the audience. Without shells, the sound goes off in a multitude of different directions, often being absorbed by stage curtains, side walls, floors, ceilings etc. but the curved and angled shells bounce the sound directly and distinctly to the audience.

While the bulk of the funds were appropriated in the school budget, Killian applied for a grant from the Suffield Foundation for Excellent Schools (SFES) to address the shortfall. The SFES appropriated $2,000 and sought collaboration from the Greater Suffield Community Fund of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which kicked in the additional $5,500 needed to complete the purchase of seven shells. Of course, major credit must be given to the hard work of the chorus and bands which produced the wonderful sounds the shells directed. Walking out of the auditorium, I heard one parent say, “I can’t believe the difference those shells made!” and another stating, “It wasn’t all mushed up, you could hear distinct instruments!” It was money well spent and I urge residents to hear for themselves at the upcoming winter concert.

In another grant this year, the SFES funded CPR mannikins for the middle school, which will enable students to learn hands-on how to properly assist someone having a cardiac event. Other grants include funding for genetic/DNA editing tools, school composting, 7th grade robotics program and a visit to middle and high school English classes by writer Jarrett J. Krosoczka, a National Book Award Finalist for his graphic novel Hey Kiddo!

Of course, money doesn’t grow on trees, and the SFES will be holding its second annual Pickleball tournament fundraiser on February 8, 2026 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at the indoor Suffield Pickleball facility on Kenny Roberts Memorial Drive. It’s a chance to get out and move before chowing down on those wings, chips, dips and other standard Super Bowl fare later in the day. Participants will get to play a minimum of five games. There will a beginner, intermediate and advanced division with women’s, men’s and mixed doubles, in each division provided enough players sign up. The entrance fee is $100/team. If you don’t have a partner, you can sign up as a single for $50 and we will match you with someone. The title sponsor for the tournament is Windsor Federal Bank, which has always been a big supporter of the SFES. We are presently looking for court sponsors for the five courts at the facility. The cost for a sponsorship is $250 which includes mention on our website and a sponsor banner along the side of the court. If you wish to sponsor a court, email us at sfesct@gmail.com . For further information see the ad we have in this Observer or go to our website at www.sfes.org.