Award-winning student musicians at Point Loma High School (PLHS) are awaiting the school’s biggest fundraising event of the year on May 20, when they’ll have the opportunity to play on the same stage as some of the biggest names in show business. The fourth annual “Rhapsody on the Point” auction and concert will take place at the famed Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay outdoor concert venue on Shelter Island. Slashed school budgets have made this year’s event even more critical for the instrumental music program at PLHS, one that has been growing steadily for several years. The goal of $20,000 will go toward purchase of instruments, sheet music, equipment, competition fees and transportation for more than 100 students. These items cost more than $70,000 per year, according to event organizers. Under school district policy, only the salary of music teacher James Sepulvado is funded. Local communities are forced to raise all other funds needed to conduct a quality program. During the event, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres while bidding on an array of silent auction items, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Student band and orchestra performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Also performing will be San Diegan Kristina Goettler, recently named principal oboe player of the Kansas City Symphony orchestra. The event also honors The Thursday Club in Point Loma on its recent 90th birthday. Tickets are available. Single tickets are $45, couple’ tickets are $80 and there are a limited number of cabaret tables ranging from $250 to $1,000 each. A new state-of-the-art music facility is under construction on the PLHS campus and will feature offices, classrooms, practice rooms, a choir room, a music production and recording studio. Set to open next year, the project is funded by Proposition S with community donations to be used for additional amenities. Just how important is the music program to PLHS students? Senior Shannon Brown, 18, said, “In band, I discovered that I have a passion for music and I want to pursue that passion the rest of my life. I feel like in some ways, it saved my life. It gave me goals and something to look forward to every day.” Those interested in sponsorships or tickets can call Kerri DeRosier at (619) 226-4896, or visit www.rhap-sodyonthepoint.com.
