In a time where programs continued to be cut in education, now more than ever the efforts of volunteers and community support are imperative.

Fortunately for students of Oakdale Joint Unified and their families, clubs such as the Oakdale Music Boosters continue to be dedicated to keeping music alive in local schools.

On Saturday, Nov. 3 the volunteer group will host its annual Oakdale Music Boosters dinner. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the Oakdale High School Gym. A tri-tip dinner will be served shortly following. Music will be provided by the varying band groups of both Oakdale Junior High as well as Oakdale High School and the colorguard will also appear.

“Our band is busting out through the seams,” Booster President and dinner organizer Susan Calvin shared.

Proceeds from this year’s event will be utilized for a number of things including purchase of additional instruments, competition equipment, as well as trailer maintenance and summer band camp scholarship opportunities.

Tickets for the event are $25 for adults and $15 for students. They may be purchased through e-mail at oakdalemusicboosters@gmail.com. According to Calvin, the event has sold out the past two years.

“We’re growing in leaps and bounds,” the club president shared, noting the addition of music teacher Julie Jones to the elementary staff as a contributor to the music programs, which feed into the overall growth.

“She has really done a fabulous job with the elementary schools,” Calvin said of Jones, a fellow OHS alumnus and past music student.

“The high school band has increased by 20 to 30 students since last year,” Calvin stated.

While increases such as these are both exciting and promising, they also increase the need for funding. The Oakdale Music Boosters dinner raises between $10,000 to $15,000 each year through ticket sales, as well as silent and live auction items.

This year’s live auction will host an opportunity for a vacation home in Kaui, as well as sports tickets, which are always popular.

The Oakdale Music Boosters does not focus only on the band, colorguard and drumline, however, as their proceeds also benefit the school choirs. While that is a group that doesn’t require as much in the way of instruments and upkeep, the Boosters do fund performance outfits, as well as other needs the group might have which aren’t covered by the school district.

Now in her final year as an OHS parent, Calvin shared the club is in need of members and parental participation like never before. She intends to stay involved beyond the end of the school year, just not in the same capacity.

“Seeing the kids progress through the years and seeing them embrace leadership roles, that’s truly worth it,” she said of rewards for her effort as the club president.

For now, Calvin continues her passion for the program, its students and supporting its growth, one fundraiser at a time.