Music and cash to travel by

By R. Schwarz Kopf

The Blaine high school wind ensemble has been chosen as the first American student group to perform at the �Festival of 1,000 People� in Funabashi, Japan. The group is scheduled to leave for the event on Tuesday, February 4, however they still need to raise $3-4,000.

With less than a week until the group departs, they are hoping the community will attend Arts & Jazz, an annual community benefit auction and dance held on February 1 at the Performing Arts Center. Proceeds from Arts & Jazz will benefit the wind ensemble�s historic 10-day trip to Japan, where they will perform at the �Festival of 1,000 People� and also visit schools, tour the Tokyo area, and perform at such places as Tokyo Disneyland. The wind ensemble will hold a send-off performance at the event, and art students will show off their personal artwork. The jazz band and chamber choir will also perform throughout the evening.

A variety of items will be auctioned off to benefit the students, including framed prints, Seattle Mariner items, a Mt. Baker Ski Area snowboard lesson, overnight resort and bed and breakfast stays, and a dessert a month from Sue Schulte.

The event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission is $5 per person and includes refreshments. For more information, visit www.-blaine.k12.wa.us.

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