UNE composition professor’s band gives back to local charity

A University of New England professor is doing his part to give back this holiday season.

Chad Walls, an adjunct professor of composition in the School of Arts and Humanities, is the front man of Portland-based indie pop band An Overnight Low. The band has donated profits from its newly released a holiday track, “Gold Star,” to the Center for Grieving Children in Portland.

According to Walls, the band was inspired by “Markathon,” an annual benefit hosted by Portland radio station WCYY that raises money for the nonprofit organization, which provides outreach and support for grieving children and families. The song is featured on their upcoming album, “Connolly, Part Two,” and details the experience of a person who is separated from and misses a loved one before realizing that the person lives on in memory.

Walls said the theme is particularly relevant this year.

“Of all the songs that we’ve recorded for our next release, we felt that “Gold Star” was the best fit for this charitable endeavor, especially when its lyrical theme is considered,” Walls said. “Even if we can’t be with those we care about most, have no fear: they’re everywhere.”

Profits generated through Dec. 11 were donated to the Center for Grieving Children, but “Gold Star” can be streamed on An Overnight Low’s Bandcamp page.