Friends and neighbors will soon witness what is possible when parents, neighbors and school supporters choose to make instrumental music a priority at local campuses. Such an example takes place May 16 at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay when Point Loma High School instrumental-music students dazzle in a “Rhapsody on the Point” concert of celebration that will feature Dr. Kelly Thomas from the University of Arizona on euphonium and honor former PLHS music director and current Point Loma Nazarene University professor John Dally.
The instrumental-music program flourishes because of the dedication of superbly talented students and staff and collaboration with Dana and Correia Middle Schools. And — after nearly six years in the making — the Dr. Dan Nelson Music Center is now open. Having met the challenge, the program is faced with another happy challenge: a fast-growing program. “It’s a wonderful problem to have. But there are kids right now in band without an instrument to play,” said PLHS instrumental music director James Sepulvado. “We can’t keep up with the skyrocketing enrollment and we need help from the community.” In fact, the addition of 40 students this year stretched the marching band’s inventory to the limit, using every last uniform and every instrument belonging to the program. The program expects to have to spend even more on new instruments.
The music gala begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and promises to be as inspirational and jaw-dropping as last year’s concert at the same venue. “We hit that last note, stood up dizzy and out of breath, and the whole crowd was going wild,” said PLHS tuba player Gabe Kim after last year’s concert. “It was emotional, and I could tell we surprised them. It was one of the greatest moments of my life.”
Humphreys is located at 2241 Shelter Island Drive.
General admission and premium cabaret table seating is available ($45 general admission; $80 for two; cabaret tables from $250 – $1,000). To purchase tickets or to be an event sponsor, visit www.rhapsodyonthe-point.com.