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Scholarships will be awarded to students based on need

When District 57 in Mount Prospect raised music program participation fees by 50 percent for next year, Joe Sonnefeldt wanted to do something to help families who need assistance with the rising cost of music education.

Next year it will cost parents of music students $90 per ensemble to participate, said Sonnefeldt, a professional musician and newly-elected member of the District 57 board.

Some parents have multiple children in music programs, and some children participate in multiple ensembles, he noted.

Sonnefeldt has organized a fundraiser, from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at Blues Bar, 2 W. Busse Ave. in Mount Prospect.

As a parent of former District 57 music students, Sonnefeldt values the program and said he wants all children who have a desire to participate to be able to.

“I’m afraid (the fees) would prevent some children from participating,” he said.

The fundraiser includes live musical acts — both student and professional.

The Lincoln Middle School Jazz Band and Celebration Singers will perform pieces they’ve worked on during the school year, and Hurricane Gumbo, an eight-piece band that combines zydeco, rhythm and blues, jazz and funk, will follow.

At 10 p.m., Electric Boogaloo, a jam band comprised of Prospect High School alumni, is performing an “after-hours” set and will donate part of their proceeds to the fundraiser.

According to a news release, a committee of community members who are not parents of District 57 students will award music scholarships based on need.

It will also consider factors like multiple music students in a family, participation in multiple ensembles and a student’s eligibility for a district fee waiver. Applications will be available to all music programs at the beginning of the school year.

Sonnefeldt said he is not yet sure if the event will be held annually.

“I would really like to see quality education in Mount Prospect fully funded so that its not necessary to throw fundraisers just to sustain valued programs,” he said.

Tickets are $15 for people 21 and up before 9 p.m.; and $5 after 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 for anyone under 21. No one under 21 is allowed at Blues Bar after 9:30 p.m.