Strike up the band: New Westminster Secondary School band students are making music for a good cause once again.
The school's music program is holding its fifth annual bandathon fundraising event on Oct. 19.
On that day, all students in the band program will have a chance to participate in a 12-hour music-making marathon, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Students will have a chance to play for at least three hours at a time.
"We expect the band to grow, shrink and change from song to song as musicians swap in and out during a 12-hour-long mega-rehearsal," says a press release from Kelly Proznick, music teacher. "It's going to be a day of classics and contemporary, jazz and pop, as we play, rehearse, improvise and have a great time doing what musicians love to do: make music."
The event allows students to collect cash pledges or online pledges at www.fanofthebandathon.com, raising money for the band program and for their own chance to go on tour. This year, students in senior ensembles have the chance to travel to Havana, Cuba.
Funds generated for the music department go towards scholarships and bursaries, large instrument purchases, and clinics and workshops with professional artists and groups.
Proznick noted that not only is the event a fundraiser, it's a good community builder for the band program - younger students get to play with older students; older students get to mentor younger students; alumni drop in to play and conduct; teachers play with students.
"It is a great event to enhance relationships, foster leadership and provide inspiration," the release says.
For more, check out www.fanofthebandathon.com or www.nwssmusic.com.
