The arts seem to be a low priority in public education funding these days. But despite the odds, Mission Bay High School’s music program continues to be one of the area’s jewels, as exemplified by the MBHS Preservationists group. Helmed by music director JP Balmat, the combination of enthusiastic instructor, eager-to-learn students and supportive parents means the school’s program has now turned out several generations of excellent jazz musicians and award-winning combos. While Mission Bay High School provides a great education in the notes and chords of jazz, according to Balmat, there’s nothing like experiencing the sights and sounds of the music’s birthplace — New Orleans. So with that in mind, he’s organized a special four-day visit for 11 of the program’s top students from April 19-22, highlighted by a spot opening for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at its legendary namesake venue. To help make that dream come true, a special fundraiser will be held March 10 at Tango Del Rey, with performances from the school’s students as well as a special set from boogie-woogie piano queen Sue Palmer. “At the school, we’ve been working on preserving the earliest form of jazz that came out of New Orleans over the last 30 years,” Balmat said. “So for me, it was just a natural progression to want to take the students to actually see the birthplace of jazz and learn from the musicians and learn from the landscape of New Orleans. “The music scene there is so amazing and there are so many different types of culture and different types of music going on,” he said. Balmat speaks from experience. “I know that when I went, it was a huge source of inspiration,” he said. ” I just fell in love with the city and everything it had to offer.” To help with costs, which Balmat estimates will exceed $12,000, the music program has also launched a “Kickstarter” campaign, giving anyone a chance to contribute financially to the trip while also getting access to different perks at different levels of giving. Bonuses for donations range from the latest CD by the school’s Jazz Preservationists Band at the $25 level to a private concert at $500, with lots of other options in all price ranges. Band leader and trumpeter Nik Snyder said he is is thrilled with the opportunities a trip like this offers. “It’s the only city in the world that the primary music is jazz,” he said. “It will be a phenomenal experience to be where it was created.” He notes the difficulty in funding a trip like this. “Most of the people who are in the band come from low-income families, so we really need the support from the community,” Snyder said. “The band plays a lot of gigs, but we still need help to get down there.” The musicians will only be in New Orleans for a brief time, but it’s a seriously action-packed stay. Besides the concert, there will be a radio session to promote the show as well as workshops with local musicians at Preservation Hall and Tipitina’s, with trips to the French Quarter and Congo Square also planned. They will also be touring the Musician’s Village, a community set up to help the area’s musicians in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. “We’re going to hit everything we can in those four days,” Balmat said. Balmat said he’s excited by the caliber of performers heading to New Orleans. “I definitely have one of the best groups to ever come out of Mission Bay,” he said. “Really, top-notch musicians. We’re going to be recording a CD in March.” Mission Bay High School’s musicians have played many prestigious venues, but it’s clear that Balmat considers the Preservation Hall Jazz Band show to be something truly special for his students. “To be able to go there and play with these guys, who are the best traditional jazz band in the world, and to play in a place that’s so important, it just seemed like it would be the best educational trip for any jazz musician,” he said. • The New Orleans fundraiser takes place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. $10. All ages. For more information, visit www.missionbaymusic.com or www.kickstarter.com/projects/missionbaymusic/send-us-home.