By ANNIKA WESTER

Mission Bay High School’s premier jazz ensemble The Preservationists have been holding concerts throughout San Diego to raise funds for their anticipated trip to Japan in April. With help from the Sea Monks, a band composed of Mission Bay students and alumni, who held a concert at Tio Leo’s in January, the school’s music ensembles followed up at Deft Brewing with a successful concert.

The show at Deft Brewing consisted of performances from Mission Bay’s Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir, Swing Choir, Mambo Orchestra, and The Preservationists, along with a closing set featuring alumni of the Mission Bay music program. The concert helped raise more than $7,000, chipping away at the $15,000 needed for the trip to take place. The Yokohama Sister City Society is covering an additional $15,000. The sold-out fundraising concert on Feb. 22 at La Jolla Women’s Club raised an additional $13,000, to help the band meet its fundraising goal.

Mission Bay junior Dahlia R. is the bandleader, bassist, and singer in The Preservationists. “People have been very supportive,” she said while noting that she is looking forward to performing in Japan while familiarizing herself with another culture. “It’s going to be so amazing to hear and experience Japan’s jazz scene.”

To support The Preservationists and the Mission Bay music program, consider donating at missionbaymusic.com/support.

Annika Wester is a Mission Bay High School student writer.