Highland Park Music programs are fundraising! The choir and band programs have been continuously raising money throughout the year and are still working hard. The choir plans to attend an international choral festival and competition in Boston, which hosts choirs from as far as Canada and Europe. The band is fundraising for new instruments and repairs, as well as a trip to compete in Hershey Park.
The choir held a penny war, which pitted the middle and high school choirs against each other in a fundraising competition. Additionally, the choir hosted a gingerbread house-making contest and went caroling to gather money through friendly competition. They plan to hold another penny war in the future and a plant-making event where participants create their own arrangement of succulents. The choir also plans on selling pizza after school on Fridays to support its trip to Boston.
The band has taken a different approach, fundraising largely through online promotion. It is active on Schoolfundr, an online fundraising platform, and across social media. In addition, the band is hosting a karaoke night, a chili cook-off on March 2, and a pie bake-off on April 13, where students can participate in the competition and raise money for their ensemble.
These fundraisers are very important to students in these programs. Band president Tejasvi Venkat says, “It is important to fundraise so we can have the experience of competing and to see performances. It is also important so that we can get equipment that we need for things like pep band.” Choir student Isabella Livingston adds, “Fundraising is really important because Highland Park is surrounded by large music programs, and it is important that we are able to showcase our talent in competitions with other schools.”
If you are interested in participating or donating to the choir, you can donate in cash or check to Mrs. Hodge or follow @highlandparkhschoir on Instagram. To donate to the band, visit schoolfundr.org/fund/highlandparkhsband-2024.