Community members and music lovers enjoyed a Night of Music at the annual fundraiser for the La Cañada Flintridge High School Instrumental Music Program on Feb. 24.
Labeled as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the program, about 500 community members, parents and students enjoyed dinner and a show, which included student performances featuring the 7/8 Band, 7/8 Orchestra, 9-12 Orchestra, Color Guard, 9-12 Band, Drumline and Jazz Band.
Jason Stone, the music director at LCHS for 18 years, speaks highly of the music program fundraisers.
“Fundraisers are key to our existence as the cost to run a successful instrumental music program far exceeds the funding we get from the state,” Stone told the Outlook Valley Sun. “We provide instruments, music and additional instructors to give our students the best possible music experience. Without the support of the community, we would not be able to do all of this for our students. I’m thankful that we have such an amazing and supportive community in La Cañada.”
Under the leadership of both Abby Izadi and Grace Pak, who serve as vice president of fundraising, a silent auction and raffle were also included to add to the fun. Auction items included passes to Descanso Gardrens, VIP seats and parking to the eighth grade graduation, a gift card to Los Gringos Locos, and a one-hour lesson for snare or bass drum.
Last year, the music program fundraiser brought in $18,000. Although it is too early to know the final results from this year, the group’s fundraising goal every year is $25,000, which goes to a number of beneficial things, like sheet music, new instruments, uniforms, transportation expenses and much more.
The LCHS Music Parents Association received food and beverage donations from local businesses such as See’s Candies, Trader Joe’s, Cakery Bakery and H Mart, to name a few.
According to the LCHS Instrumental Music Program website, a significant part of the annual budget for the Instrumental Music Program comes from the MPA.
The nonprofit’s CFO Charles Thuss said that other fundraising efforts include the Orchestra Camerata event, getting sponsorships from local businesses, seeking grants, performing for community groups and doing raffles.
The MPA also provides scholarships, so that no student is excluded from participating in the program based on financial needs.
“Our goal is to make sure that any child in LCUSD 7-12 is able to develop their musical talents to the best of their abilities regardless of financial need,” said Thuss. “We financially support over 25 students this year with either full or partial funding for our programs. We welcome all students who sign up and, while we appreciate those parents who notify us of need, we do not require a formal scholarship application for support.”
For more information on the music program, visit lchsmusic.org.
The MPA takes donations at any time. Supporters can mail a check payable to “LCHS MPA.” In the memo section, write “community donation” and send it to Music Parents Association, P.O. Box 1307, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91012.
First published in the February 29 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
