2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory
Valley Center Band Boosters

That program, established by bandmaster Jeff Beck in 1993, has enjoyed phenomenal success, growing from 65 students to 500. Because so many students are involved in the band, and in its after-school component, the jazz band, the biggest need is to supply enough instruments for every child who wants to play.

The Band Boosters were established two years ago when the founding president, Ed Baker, observed the band teacher hauling all of his own equipment.

The Boosters started first to help Beck this way, and the organization grew into a fund-raiser. This year the Band Boosters achieved non-profit status.

The Boosters feel that if children are spending their free time learning how to play an instrument, they won't get involved with drugs.

According to Barbara Riggs, the goals for the Band Boosters include buying a sound system and a stereo system for the music program and, eventually, a trophy case for all of the awards that the band is winning at contests up and down the state.

The annual fund-raiser is the Jazz Benefit Concert, which features a professional jazz band playing and food catered by a local restaurant. Last year they raised $3000 for the program.

In the fall and the spring the group holds a pizza and cookie dough sale. They also have a booth during Western Days when they sell hamburgers and Polish sausage sandwiches.

This year recruiting new members will be a high priority, because many of the parents have kids going on to high school. To keep the music playing, new members must be found.

For more information, or to join the Band Boosters, call Jeff Beck at 751-4295 or write to 28102 North Lake Wilford Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082.