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Whatever its name, benefit is music to Maine South’s ears
The Maine South marching band, performing during the homecoming pep rally on Friday, will be part of the upcoming Beatles-A-Rama fundraiser. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun Times Media
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Updated: November 5, 2012 6:12AM
PARK RIDGE — It may have a different name this year, but Maine South High School’s Band-O-Rama’s is still moving to the same drum beat.
The annual fundraiser for the Park Ridge high school’s music programs is known this year as Beatles-A-Rama, with music from the Fab Four featured during the program, which stars the Maine South Marching Band and Hawkettes dance team.
Beatles-A-Rama will take place Oct. 6 at Maine South, 1111 S. Dee Road. A dinner, catered by All on the Road Catering of Park Ridge, will take place in the cafeteria at 6 p.m. followed the main show at 7:30 p.m. in the Spectator Gym. Visitors can also view items and take part in a silent auction beginning at 6 p.m.
Tickets for the dinner and show are $15, while the cost of attending just the show is $5. Tickets will be available at the door, according to Music Boosters Co-President Richard Wacker.
For many years the annual Band-O-Rama has raised money for student music scholarships, appearances by guest artists, trips and equipment repairs.
“It’s a great opportunity for (the community) to support music in the school and it’s an entertaining evening,” said Maine South Director of Bands Joel Matter. “It’s not your typical concert.”
The marching band will perform several upbeat numbers and the Hawkettes will present dance routines.
“We have a mix of everything, from rock from the ’60s all the way to current-day radio hits,” Matter explained. “There’s a multitude of things. The Beatles are just a part of it.”
Auctions are always a big part of Band-O-Rama festivities and Beatles-A-Rama is expected to feature more than 80 items on which guests can bid. Winning an opportunity to conduct the marching band is probably one of the most popular auction prizes offered.
“We get anywhere from $800 to $1,200 each time we do that,” Matter said.
The lucky winner gets to conduct the band for one music number during one of three upcoming performances. Current students, alumni and even retired band directors have taken part, Matter said.
“Last year a gentleman came with his own conducting baton and was ready to go,” he remarked.
Nancy Koch, of Maine South Music Boosters, said attendees can expect a vivacious event.
“It’s a very high-energy evening,” she said. “It’s good food, a lot of entertainment and the band and Hawkettes are phenomenal.”
Maine South Music Boosters provide financial support to the school’s music programs, helping to fund music clinics and workshops, guest performers, specialized instruments, scholarships for summer music camps and college scholarships. Band-O-Rama is the group’s largest fundraiser.
For tickets or more information on Beatles-A-Rama call the Maine South Music Office, (847) 692-8240.
