The Port Clinton Marching Band performs at OSU. (Submitted photo)

Orchestra teacher Adam Murray guides students through a practice. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Port Clinton High School has invested money, effort and heart into developing one of the premier music programs in Northwest Ohio. Its students have the privilege of choosing from three music programs: band, orchestra and choir. Now, the school is inviting the community to invest in the school’s music heritage by attending The Encore Gala, a Las Vegas-themed fundraiser hosted by the Port Clinton City Schools Music Boosters.

The Encore Gala will be held at the Catawba Island Club on Saturday, April 5.

The event will include a plated dinner, cash bar, door prizes and silent and live auctions. Live music will be provided by award-winning entertainer Jordan Lawson.

“And I have a couple of surprises up my sleeve,” said Orchestra Director Adam Murray, who is co-organizing the event with Caroline Gatsch and Erin Astley.

All of the profits from the gala help support students in the music program. This year’s gala proceeds will fund travel scholarships for student musicians. The music program hosts trips every two years.

“Last year, we raised $12,000, and we used every penny,” Murray said. “We try to make it unburdensome for families. Last time, every student who applied for aid got at least something.”

The trips are open to students in orchestra, choir and band. In 2023, they performed at Disney World.

“We try to go places they’ve never been before and maybe will never go back to,” Murray said. “A lot of the kids had never been to Disney.”

The gala will empower the music boosters to help students join the next trip.

Port Clinton High School’s Touch of Class a cappella group. (Submitted photo)

“Tickets are on sale now. There are a limited number of tickets, and we sold every spot last year,” Murray said.

The boosters are also looking for donations of items for the raffle baskets and auctions.

“Nothing is too small it can’t help our kids – even a $5 gift card or a new stuffed animal. We can throw it in there somewhere,” Murray said.

Tickets for the Encore Gala can be purchased online at https://forms.gle/WWJb71p4ch9Ddtuw6 or by contacting Adam Murray at Port Clinton High School. Tickets cost $85 for a single and $150 for a couple. VIP tables for eight cost $1,000 and include complimentary drink tickets and additional exclusive advertising through 2027.