Magic Carpet

Making 'Noize' to set the stage

Students at North Brunswick High School used–what else?–music to make their trip a reality.

by Marisa Rindone

Being a part of a school trip to Walt Disney World Resort is a dream come true for any student musician, but it doesn't quite mean a free trip to the park.

"When we decided to travel to Florida, we knew that it was going to be a tremendous undertaking as far as fundraising went," says Peggy Sica, director of North Brunswick (N.J.) Township High School's Concert Choir and Orchestra. Though their trip wouldn't occur until May, the students started preparing when school began in September. They used their musical talents to rack up the dollars, performing at a local bookstore and caroling during the holidays.

But the real funding engine for North Brunswick's trip came in the form of an event called Noize Fest, which took place just weeks before the students embarked on their journey. Eleven local bands played, tickets were sold, and merchandise tables staffed by students were set up in the performance venue's lobby. To top things off, the owner of a local recording studio created a compilation CD that was sold during the event as well as at the high school and featured Noize Fest performers.

"One of the side benefits of Noize Fest was that students and parents became enthusiastic about the fundraising process," Sica says. "We had monthly parent meetings, and we made sure the kids and parents grew excited at the prospect of reaching their destination."

Sica says it's important to always mention your goal in fundraising advertisements-- that way, no one loses track of the prize. "Make sure there is a tangible goal. We knew that we couldn't raise all the money that was needed for the entire trip in a single year. Once we accepted that, we decided to reach the more attainable goal of giving back to each student a portion of the trip's cost."

And with help from the school, the community, and a lot of hard work, North Brunswick succeeded. "We managed to raise enough money so that each traveling student got a sizable portion of their trip paid."