By Lori BODNAR

Recently the Crescenta Valley Instrumental Music (CVIM) department held a Hawaiian Barbeque fundraiser in the quad at the school.  The Hula Oia’I’o youth group of Aletheia Dance Company performed several authentic Hawaiian hulas, such as “hukilau” and “he mele no lilo”.  They also taught hula dancing to the audience, then offered the audience members to take a turn to perform and show off their hula dance skills on the stage. Around 20 brave souls came up, donned hula grass skirts and leis, then delighted their friends and family with their attempts at the hula dance.  Singing, hula dancing and melodious sounds of music entertained hundreds at the event. 

CVHS has held their annual Hawaiian Barbeque for three years now–before that they did a Korean Barbeque for 10 years. This event is put on by the CVIM’s program students, parents, volunteers, and CVHS music teacher, Mathew Schick. This year, there are 268 students in the music program.  The money raised from the barbeque is used to help purchase instruments, sheet music, and for transportation to music festivals.

“Music gives the community a chance to get together. Music is a universal language that brings people together,” Schick said. 

Many different music groups performed throughout the event. The Charismatics Choir first sang the National Anthem. Next, the marching band played while the color guard performed, waving their colorful flags in sync with the music.

“Our community is really awesome. The coaches are nice and lead us to where we are supposed to be. The freshman are great and marching band is like a family to me. I enjoy the fact that there is a lot of community feeling at this Hawaiian BBQ event. Hula dancing with friends is a lot of fun,” said  Seon-Jae Yoon, a tenth-grade student in the marching band.

One student played the ukulele, including the theme song from Moana. Even CVHS alumni performed at the event in the “Rotten Apples” Band. A string quartet also performed some serene musical pieces that reminded one of strolling along the beach. To conclude the evening, Jazz Band played their upbeat songs.

The delicious food served was donated by local businesses and included authentic Hawaiian barbeque meat from L&L Hawaiian Barbeque in Eagle Rock, steamed rice from New Moon in Montrose, salad and fruit kebabs from Western Mixers.

Kimberlee Sandoval is the president of the nonprofit parent booster club, CVIM that provides volunteer and financial support to the music program at CVHS.

According to Sandavol 460 tickets were pre-sold  and 70 tickets were sold at the door.

“This is my second year of being president, and I have been on the CVIM board for five years. This fundraiser is for the whole music program at CVHS. We have other fundraisers to raise money for the uniforms needed by the marching band. Our goal is to raise about $75,000 for the uniforms and we have so far raised about $25,000. The new uniforms take nine months to make and we have to order around 140 uniforms,” Sandoval said. 

Tri-M had a bake sale dessert booth at the event.

“Tri-M is a national honors society and we have a chapter at CVHS. Our main project is to get people in Tri-M and choir to perform at events. This organization helps fund other schools to get access to music education. Our mission is to inspire others,” said co-president of Tri-M Alexa Hernandez. 

The Hawaiian Barbeque also featured a silent auction, raffle, and games. Auction items included gift baskets donated by parents as well as local businesses, such as a CV Weekly Subscription, dance lessons, C2 Education, Bella Hair Salon, Bronson Photography, Disneyland, Six Flags, a bike, an acoustic guitar, Hello Pizza, Honeybird, Elite Prep, La Brea Tar Pits, YMCA, and indoor kart racing. YMCA also had an activity station at the barbeque, where people could exercise with ropes and balls.

Rosemont Middle School Builders Club volunteered at the event.  They also had some games set up for people to play, such as bean bag or hoop toss.

“I joined Rosemont Builder’s Club because I enjoy volunteering for a good cause,” said Anna Garcia, Builder’s Club member. 

The event was a chance to enjoy delicious food, hear beautiful music and learn how to hula. Even though it rained before the event and was overcast that did not deter crowds from supporting CVIM.

For those that could not make the fundraiser but still want to support CVIM visit www.falconmusic.org

  Lori BODNAR