Dos Pueblos High School Teams Up with Local Celebrities To Raise Money

The Dos Pueblos High School music program is in jeopardy, due to major budget constraints. Students, parents, and teachers have joined forces with some of Santa Barbara’s most famous musicians to raise money and support.

For many of the award winning student musicians at Dos Pueblos High School, playing an instrument is not just a hobby. “Band is everything. It’s almost like a second family, and the band room a second home,” says student Eileen Saltman.

Instrumental Music Director Les Rose adds, “On a practical basis, students in programs tend to do very well is school and have a competitive advantage going into college,” Deep budget cuts across the board have threatened the school’s entire music department. “To have the full enriching experience for students, we need outside activities. That’s why kids sign up for band, and orchestra and jazz band,” says Rose.

It costs roughly $75,000 a year to keep the program running. Now parents and teachers are taking matters into their own hands. “A lot of students are not aware of what we’re doing behind the scenes to raise funds, but what they do see is what the program gives to them,” says Ed Soto, a member of the Dos Pueblos Band Boosters.

Soto reached out to some of Santa Barbara’s most recognized musicians, including Katy Perry and Jack Johnson for help The singers each donated a signed guitar and other items to be auctioned off during a fund raising event. All the proceeds will go to the school’s music department.