Carnival raises music money

LA CA—ADA FLINTRIDGE ? The hundreds of parents and children who spent the weekend riding carnival attractions and throwing ping-pong balls through hoops for prizes at La Cañada High School weren't just having fun.

Every ticket purchased, every shaved ice gobbled up and every Ferris wheel ride at the event helped support the high school's music program, including the band, orchestra, jazz group color guard and drum line, organizer Julie Schaull said.

"The only money they get from the school district is the salary for the music director," said Schaull, who is in her fourth year as chair of the carnival fundraiser, which is now in its 17th year and is put on by the school's Music Parents Assn. and music students. "We raise everything else, including the cost of instruments. It is very expensive."

Schaull said that besides the money ? the event was on track to match the $20,000 raised last year ? the carnival is an excellent opportunity for the music students to learn valuable leadership skills.

Among the student leaders at the weekend carnival was Kate Kraft, a senior trumpet player and drum major for the La Cañada High School Band.

"We interview our crews, work throughout the whole carnival, and make sure everything runs smoothly," Kraft said, adding that her crew did everything from pick up trash to blow up balloons. "It is also a great way for those of us electing positions for next year's band to know who is putting in the extra effort and who is slacking off."

It was only the second or third time in 17 years that it didn't rain on the carnival, said Music Director Sue Hamre, who added the event has grown beyond original expectations.

"It is a huge community event, and we didn't think it would turn into that 17 years ago when we started it as a little fundraising event," Hamre said.

"It takes hundreds of students and parents working for months to put this on, and it draws people not only from the community, but alumni and alumni parents. It is like a big family reunion."