The Point Loma High School instrumental music program will host a fundraiser for the school’s music program on May 17 at Humphreys by the Bay on Shelter Island at 6 p.m. The students are set to dazzle with a concert celebrating choral music featuring inspiring vocal music re-imagined for instrumental ensembles and selections from Leonard Bernstein’s operetta “Candide.” They will be accompanied by a select ensemble choir composed of members from many distinguished choral groups. Among other musical selections, the young artists will play Biebl’s “Ave Maria,” guest conducted by former PLHS choir teacher Lewis Phelps and featuring alumni members of the 1965-69 PLHS Madrigals. Backers of the instrumental music said the program flourishes because of the dedication of talented students and staff, and collaboration with Dana and Correia Middle Schools. After almost six years in the making, the Dr. Dan Nelson Music Center is now open. Having met that challenge, the program is faced with another 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,” he said. In fact, the addition of 40 new students this year stretched the marching band’s inventory to the limit, using every last uniform and every single instrument belonging to the program. Next year, the band is expecting to order another 40 uniforms at a cost of $20,000. Program supporters expect to have to spend even more on new instruments. The evening 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 by the Bay is located at 2241 Shelter Island Drive. General admission is available for $45 or $80 per couple. Premium cabaret table seating for between $250 and $1,000. To purchase tickets for the event or to be an event sponsor, visit www.rhapsodyonthepoint.com.