Hundreds of students at Rio Americano High School in Sacramento took the stage for an all-day music marathon Friday, raising money to support the school’s band and orchestra programs.<\/p>\n
The annual Play-A-Thon, which began in 1981, is the school’s largest yearly fundraiser for its music programs. Performances run from the start of classes at 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., giving students a chance to showcase their talents while supporting music education.<\/p>\n
“We start at 8:30 in the morning when classes start and then we go all the way until 10 p.m. at night,” said Janelle Wells, a Rio Americano senior.<\/p>\n
Band director Josh Murray said the event also helps connect students and their music with the surrounding community.<\/p>\n
“It brings our music out into the community,” Murray said.<\/p>\n
Rio Americano has about 200 band students, and donations help cover the costs of maintaining the programs, including instruments and sheet music.<\/p>\n
“It costs money to provide something of this quality for the students. Instruments are not cheap. Sheet music is not cheap,” Murray said.<\/p>\n
Senior Laynie Seltzer said the programs deserve continued support.<\/p>\n
“It deserves to be supported, just as much as any other program here,” Seltzer said.<\/p>\n
The event features more than student performances. Students and staff often wear costumes, and local elementary and middle school students are invited to join them onstage.<\/p>\n
For many students, music also requires a significant commitment outside the classroom. Wells said she spends about 10 hours a week practicing beyond her schoolwork.<\/p>\n
Seltzer said she has seen how much she has developed as a musician since starting high school.<\/p>\n
“Comparing my journey now to freshman year, I’ve grown and it’s really cool to see,” she said.<\/p>\n
Murray said many former students have earned prestigious music scholarships, while others have gone on to become professional musicians.<\/p>\n
This year’s Play-A-Thon was especially meaningful for Murray, who is retiring after 30 years teaching music at Rio Americano. Thursday marked his final time taking part in the annual tradition.<\/p>\n
“I was getting wistful earlier today,” Murray said.<\/p>\n
As he prepares to leave, Murray said the success of former students remains one of the most rewarding parts of his career.<\/p>\n
“We have so many people who are contributing positively to society that have come through here. That’s what makes me very proud,” he said.<\/p>\n
Students hoped to raise more than $25,000 through Thursday’s fundraiser. Donations to support Rio Americano’s music program are also accepted online.<\/p>\n
\n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n