Listen to some lovely tunes at the District Band Concert this Tuesday! Graphic courtesy of senior Jane Culbreath.
San Luis Obispo Coastal Unified School District supports music education at every grade level. Kindergarten through fifth grade students participate in general music classes, while students in grades six through twelve can opt to play an instrument in band. Band is a great opportunity for students to build skills, confidence, and community.
At the annual District Band Concert, ensembles from SLCUSD elementary schools, Laguna Middle School, and San Luis Obispo High School come together to put on a special concert. This year, the District Band Concert will be held on Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00 pm in the SLOHS big gym.
“I think the district concert is really cute, because it was our first concert in sixth grade, and every year we see ourselves move up the ladder. Now as seniors, we can look back and think ‘wow, we were there once,’” said band board president Christian Cuevillas.
This concert is sure to impress, culminating with a combined song performed by all of the bands. Ensembles performing include the elementary school combined bands, LAMS introductory band, LAMS advanced band, SLOHS symphonic band, SLOHS wind ensemble, SLOHS stage jazz, and SLOHS honors jazz.
“It’s very fun to see the progression of skill at the concert and see what students are truly capable of, especially as they get older. Some fun songs to look out for are ‘Salute to American Jazz,’ which will be performed by the SLOHS wind ensemble. The symphonic band also has two notable numbers: ‘Funiculi, Funicula,’ better known as the pizza song from ‘Spider Man,’ and ‘The Best of Journey,’ highlighting the 1980s band’s greatest hits, including ‘Don’t Stop Believing,’” said band board treasurer Joaquin Barba.
Along with musical performances, the bands are also hosting a bake sale fundraiser to support music education. The funds will go towards causes such as new instruments, band camp (a pre-marching season camp to foster learning and bonding among marching band members), and field trips. The bake sale funds go directly to SLOIMBA, also known as the San Luis Obispo Instrumental Boosters Association, which supports the LAMS and SLOHS bands. Don’t miss out on the plethora of bake sale items and the opportunity to directly support music education
“Proceeds from the bake sale go directly to cover individual band camp payments that students’ families may not be able to cover. Anybody who wants to keep the marching season thriving should buy a baked good or two,” said band board secretary Kaia Blackwell.
Come support student musicians this Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00 pm in the big gym, and don’t forget to buy some baked goods!
