On Dec. 9, CHS hosted its first annual Music Fun Run fundraiser to support the music program. The event included 5k and 10k runs, food trucks, free boot camp-like workout sessions and live music featuring both professional artists and CHS students.
“The school, district and state do not provide funds for arts programs besides teacher salaries,” said music teacher Aaron Kohen. “Our budget for the year is well over $100,000 for all the additional [expenses that are required to run the music program], so we needed a way to raise money in order to make our program the best that it can be.”
The Music Boosters, a CHS parent collaboration that works to raise funds for the music program, hoped to raise a minimum of $5,000 from donations and profits at the fundraiser. All of the proceeds raised will be used to pay for additional teaching staff, instrument maintenance and repair, festival registrations and piano tuning. Kohen decided to host this specific event in order to appeal to the entire Calabasas community rather than only music students.
“Initially, the idea was hatched when I started to notice how many student athletes are also in the music program,” said Kohen. “By hosting an event such as a fun run that is both musical and active, we attracted a wide range of people, including athletes, families, students and music lovers alike.”
From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Calabasas residents participated in the 5k and 10k runs that began in the staff parking lot and circled around the school campus on Mulholland Highway. Food trucks such as Holy Aioli and Meat the Greek were also present at the event. Participants listened to musical performances from students as well as professional artists including Katie Cole and Ken Stacey.
“As a part of the Unstrumental Acapella group, it is really encouraging to see all these community members come together to support the music program,” said senior Sydney Easton. “We really need the profits to help our program now that we have the new theater at our disposal, so I am happy with the outcome of the event.”
Over the course of three hours, participants at the Music Fun Run generated about $4,500 to benefit the music program.
