On Thursday, June 11, Music in the Schools will host its third annual benefit concert at Cleveland High School to raise money for all of the high school music programs in Portland Public Schools.
What makes this event incredibly special is that it was created and organized by PPS students, because of their belief in the importance of arts education:
In this time of budget cuts and economic uncertainty, raising money for the arts becomes especially important. As students, we believe that music plays an important role in our high school education and want to make sure it survives in the years to come.
In 2007, then-Lincoln High School student Dash Robb put together the first Music in the Schools benefit, which raised over $7,000. Since that first show, Music in the Schools has raised over $30,000 and counting.
Students and alumni have been working on this project off and on since its launch in 2007. Currently, there are six high school students and three former students involved in the 2009 benefit. "This year we have more students from schools other than Lincoln involved in the planning process," says organizer Neal Pisentil, "a trend which hopefully will continue!"
Another trend is the continued growth and popularity of this event. In 2007, the first benefit concert was held at Cleveland High School and had a turnout of about 450. The 2008 show was held at Crystal Ballroom and was nearly sold out. This year, the event returns to Cleveland High School and organizers hope that the event will reach its capacity of roughly 1100 attendees.
"This concert got off to a rough start, since there were venue issues and other problems that had to be worked out, but we hope it will still be a success," says an optimistic Pisenti. "There seems to be quite a buzz in the music community, so we're expecting a decent turnout on Thursday."
This year's benefit concert will feature popular local bands Lifesavas and Starfucker, but the evening wouldn't be complete without performances by local high school bands Starparty and Don't Hurt Miles! from Wilson and Grant High Schools. Tickets are only $10.
Be sure to bookmark the Music in the Schools website or follow them on Twitter (@pdxmits), because there are plans to expand fundraising efforts with other events, such as a dinner/jazz night function later this summer.
Music in the Schools Benefit Concert
Thursday, June 11 @ Cleveland High School
3400 SE 26th Avenue
Doors open at 7 p.m.
