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Playathon Plays On
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Taylor Cottingim, Mirada Staff
November 29, 2011
Filed under Features
It’s when musicians unite. It’s when a family is created. It’s when teens play a marathon of music from morning ‘til midnight. It’s no wonder. It’s Rio Band’s Playathon.
The annual Playathon, which took place on Nov 10, celebrates the importance of music and serves as the greatest fundraiser for the band program. “The band program makes Rio special because aside from excelling in festivals and competitions, we love to support the other aspects of the school,” said senior trumpet player Iris Shanks. “We play at sporting events, fund raisers, and at rallies.” This year, Playathon raked in $17,000.
Senior trombonist Annie Chernich was chair of the Playathon committee, and has kept the position for her grade since sophomore year. The committee organizes the event including – but not limited to – music, food, the carnival games, decorations and more.
“We’re truly a multi-faceted and talented group of kids,” said Chernich. “With 166 students from the Rio population involved in band, it certainly has a strong influence in our community and culture. Whether someone is in band or just a ‘friend of band,’ the students have a lot of ideas, support, and enthusiasm to contribute to the school.”
This year the theme was Harry Potter, which was largely favored by the supporters of witchcraft and wizardry. “I thought the Harry Potter theme was great!” said senior trumpet player Nick Stanton. “It really allowed us to get creative with the decorations and our own individual costumes.”
The event is advertised by student-run pledge parties, where groups of band students go door to door to spread the word about music and ask for donations. This helps fund the music program and gives the band family a chance to bond and establish new friendships.
“The band program is very important to its members because it offers both great musical opportunities and education; it provides students with a strong community within the school,” said Shanks. This past year, Rio band was noted for its excellence in Downbeat magazine, the oldest jazz magazine in publication.
However, the family bond doesn’t end at graduation. The love, devotion and effort Murray and Kiesner provide into their students don’t go unnoticed. “Without the help of Murray and Kiesner, I really don’t think I would have come very far at all in music,” said Rio alumnus and saxophonist EJ Fernandes, a current student at UC Santa Barbara. “Their enthusiasm, care, and understanding for each of their students influenced me more than anything else to practice more and become the best that I could be at my instrument.”
Some students have chosen to pursue music in college. “I study jazz at New York University,” said alumnus and award-winning trumpet player Miles Roberto. “I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for Rio band. Band was my life and joy.”
Involvement in music proves to be life changing. “Band will make you a better person,” said alumnus Victor San Pedro, remembered for his nationally recognized talents with jazz guitar. “It will be one of the best experiences in your lifetime. I gained a sense of community and a lifelong passion for music.”
The program welcomes new members, Chernich said.
“It is best to talk to Mr. Kiesner and Mr. Murray to see what would work best for you, and how it would affect your schedule, but band always welcomes new musicians,” said Chernich. “If anything, stop by M1 and M2 to check out what your peers are up to, and take part in a great musical tradition!”
Saxophonists play together during the Playathon.
Junior Blake Branine plays upright bass
Senior Nick De La O strums the bass.
