It’s no secret that art programs in schools are suffering in the current economy. Luckily, organizations have sprung up for some area schools to help with funding. Such is the case with the Point Loma High School Instrumental Boosters, which works year-round to ensure that music remains a vital part of its school’s curriculum. On Friday, May 18, Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay will be the site of “Rhapsody on the Point,” a fundraiser for the Point Loma High School (PLHS) Instrumental Music program and a celebration of the opening of the new Music Center at PLHS. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with hors d’ oeuvres, cocktails and a silent auction, with music starting at 7 p.m. The event continues a tradition of performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” every year. For 2012, San Diego pianist Diane Snodgrass will do the honors, backed by students, and also perform a solo piece. Several of the school’s student groups — including the wind ensemble, concert band and string orchestra — will also take part. Meanwhile, county Supervisor Greg Cox will narrate Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” an orchestral work featuring words spoken by President Lincoln. This event helps the next generation of musicians while taking in a little culture. “Rhapsody on the Point” is a labor of love. Toiling behind the scenes, among others, is an eight-person event committee and 15 more volunteers. Money raised goes to everything from instruments to student transportation for tournaments. “The district only funds the salary of music director James Sepulvado,” said Point Loma High School Instrumental Boosters President Kerri De Rosier. Ironically, Sepulvado recently received a pink slip from the district in the widespread effort to offset budget woes. “All of this effort is against a backdrop of him possibly losing his job,” said De Rosier. “But that hasn’t stopped him from putting his heart and soul into this event.” She said it’s ironic that Sepulvado may be let go at the same time that the school’s new music center is opening. “[He might] be replaced, but especially with marching band director, he’s someone who does everything from finding the students their places on the field, to writing the music,” De Rosier said. “It’s a really specialized position, and we’re concerned that he might be replaced by someone who isn’t qualified.” De Rosier said she is also concerned about the lack of continuity between area schools if current teachers are dismissed. “You have Mark Dwyer at Correia Middle School and Ruben Flores at Dana Middle School,” she said. “These guys have all learned how to work together, so there is a nice continuity between the programs.” De Rosier said Dwyer also received a pink slip. “The school district is really threatening the success that we’ve had,” she said. “We’ve been growing since Mr. Sepulvado got here.” While the fundraising aspect of the concert is important, De Rosier notes other benefits. “We’re really trying hard to bring the community together,” De Rosier said. “What I like about [‘Rhapsody at the Point’] the most is that it’s a real concert and it’s a chance for the community to see the kids in action, to see what they are capable of doing. School is so much more than math and science and English. It can also be an opportunity for students to express themselves. “They’re doing significant pieces,” she said. “If you look at kids who are involved, these are kids who are — in addition to being wonderful musicians — for the most part, the best students at the school.” • Rhapsody on the Point: 6 p.m. on Friday, May 18 at Humphrey’s Concerts on the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. Visit www.Rhapsodyonthepoint.com.