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As Livermore High School’s award-winning music program faces a funding shortfall, local nonprofits move to support the program with a fundraiser this month.
The campaign aims to raise $30,000 by the end of September, which would be used for program expenses like buying and repairing instruments, hiring professional music coaches, and hiring buses for festivals and competitions. These are also some of the at-risk features of the program, if the funding goal is unmet.
“Every donation helps ensure that all our students continue to receive the quality music education they deserve,” said Michael Azevedo, president of Livermore Music, the fundraising organizer and nonprofit parent booster that supports the school’s music program.
For every $2 donated this month, CHEF, a nonprofit that provides resources to other nonprofits that boost community well-being, will contribute $1 in a matching campaign called “Keep the Music Playing”. The matches are capped at a combined total of $45,000.
CHEF has also pledged to cover administrative and processing fees for each donation, so all contributions will go towards supporting music students.
“This is our one major fundraising effort for the year. With the help of CHEF and the potential to secure an additional $15,000 from CHEF, we’re confident in what we can achieve together,” Azevedo said.
In terms of other funding, the program receives little from the district, so it relies on donations from families, small grants and contributions from the community, according to Azevedo.
“That’s why we’re reaching out to the entire community to rally support for our campaign,” Azevedo said in a statement.
The fundraiser is necessary for maintaining the school’s high-performing program, which has included the orchestra ensemble’s performance at Carnegie Hall last year and the earning of dozens of awards at a competitive music festival at Disneyland by its band, percussion, jazz and orchestra ensemble this past spring.
Livermore High’s music ensembles have also contributed to the community by playing free jazz concerts, rallying football games and marching in the city’s holiday and rodeo parades.
“Running a music program of this high caliber requires substantial financial resources,” Azevedo said in a statement. “Every contribution, no matter how small, is vital to sustaining the high standards of our program.”
Donations can be made through September on the CHEF website at chefgivingcommunity.org/LHSMusic.
