By Lori Bodnar, intern

There was plenty of music and food to be found at the annual Hawaiian BBQ held in October at Crescenta Valley High School.

Crescenta Valley High School’s Instrumental Music Foundation (CVIM) hosted the annual event in the quad at the high school. There was an abundance of yummy food consisting of Hawaiian-style grilled beef, barbecue chicken, rice, salad, fruit kabobs and macaroni salad. For dessert, there were brownies, a variety of cookies and Rice Krispies treats. In addition to the buffet of fine food, diners were treated to a medley of music. The entertainment started with the CVHS brass ensemble, then some authentic ohana and mahalo was brought in courtesy of a ukulele band. The CVHS jazz combo band played to the delight of the listeners followed by the expansive CVHS jazz band. The proceeds from the fundraiser supported the CVHS Instrumental Music Dept. In 2017, the Hawaiian BBQ made over $8,000, which helped the music department purchase new instruments and music, attend music festivals and pay for truck rentals to transport instruments.

“Being part of the CV instrumental music program is such a surreal experience. My music class doesn’t feel like a class, but rather a whole hour I get to do what I love with people who are amazing at it,” said student Kimmie Blood, who played keyboard for the jazz band. “The Hawaiian BBQ was the first time we were able to perform and showcase our talents this year, and I think that the audience loved it! It’s not every day you get to be a part of a group of young musicians with a sound that is great!”

Ann Jun is a sophomore student who plays the viola in symphony orchestra and attended the Hawaiian BBQ.

“The Hawaiian BBQ is a great place to eat with friends and family. The music department supplied first class music and they sounded really great!” said Jun. “There was a ukulele group as well as a trombone group playing ‘Despacito.’”

Jun added that she was a little melancholy in attending this year’s barbecue.

“I miss the seniors from last year a lot,” she said. “The music department becomes a close-knit family. It is hard to not see the freshmen now at college because it’s not the same seeing them everyday, but I know deep in my heart they would want me to be happy in music everyday.”

  Lori BODNAR