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Fundraisers for music programs at both Livermore high schools are underway this month, each aiming to reach their goal of collecting tens of thousands of dollars for their students.
Organized by parent boosters Granada Music Parents and Livermore Music, the campaigns are intended to help purchase equipment and support students’ learning and performance opportunities amid limited financial backing from the district.
Both “FUNd the Music” for Granada High School and “Support the Sound” for and Livermore High School feature a 50% match for community contributions thanks to their partnership with Livermore’s Community Health and Education Foundation.
CHEF is set to match donations to the LHS music program during the month of September, up to a total fundraiser goal of $75,000. Meanwhile matching for the GHS music program is scheduled through Oct. 15, up to a total fundraiser goal of $60,000.
As of Sept. 26, Livermore Music is seeking $5,492 in community donations to reach its fundraiser goal. Meanwhile, Granada Music Parents are seeking $23,075 in additional donations from the community.
“This is our one major fundraising effort for the year,” Livermore Music President Michael Azevedo said in a statement. “Every contribution, no matter how small, is vital to sustaining the high standards of our program.”
“Generosity from the community enables Granada music students to thrive, grow and perform at their best,” CHEF’s website for Granada Music Parents states.
The LHS music department is home to band, percussion, jazz and orchestra ensembles that regularly win awards at statewide competitions, according to booster officials.
“The LHS music department has a proud legacy of excellence,” parent booster officials said.
The LHS ensembles also contribute to the community by offering free jazz concerts at local venues, performing for seniors and at football games as well as marching in the city’s holiday parade.
“These achievements are a testament to the dedication and talent of the LHS students — and to the critical support they receive from our community,” Azevedo said.
The high-caliber program requires a significant amount of funding, Azevedo explained.
“Unfortunately, the school district provides very little funding, so we rely heavily on the generosity of parents, families, small grants and contributions from the broader community,” Azevedo added.
While families are encouraged to contribute $400 to $500 per music student, not every household can meet this request, booster officials said.
Donations to the Livermore music program make it possible for students to learn from accomplished musicians who prepare them for concerts, festivals and competitions — including the National Orchestra Festival scheduled this spring, according to the fundraiser website. The contributions are also slated to pay for sheet music, buses for festivals, entrance fees for competitions, instrument purchases and repairs.
Across town, Granada hosts two choirs, an orchestra, four jazz and pep bands as well as the only high school marching arts program in the city. The marching arts program features the Matador Marching Band, Granada drumline street percussion unit, the city of Livermore guard and winter drumline — both of which are open to students from GHS and LHS — as well as a crew of award-winning drum majors led by GHS senior Daniel Booth and junior Hunter Tindle.
GHS marching student alumni and staff have performed with a number of esteemed groups including the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, Mandarins Drum Corps of Sacramento, Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, the Tournament of Roses Honor Band and numerous collegiate programs.
This school year, the GHS music program’s operating budget is nearly $115,000, booster officials said.
Funding from the district affords pay for instructors George Pascoe and Katherine Nash-Coan as well as a small allowance towards instruments and supplies, Granada Music Parents officials said in a statement.
The GHS booster raises money for all other program expenses including professional coaches, event registrations and entry fees, equipment, additional instruments, uniforms, student and equipment transportation and general operating costs.
“Additional funds raised this year will help the program purchase much-needed equipment and expand students’ learning and performance opportunities,” Granada Music Parents said in a statement.
Following the CHEF-sponsored fundraiser for the GHS music program, donations are accepted at the GHS music program website.
In addition to CHEF’s role of matching donations, the organization also covers all administrative and processing fees of transactions, which means 100% of contributions directly benefit music education.
The fundraiser website for the GHS music program is available here and the LHS music program is available here.
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