Colton High Music Program Serves Treats & Beats at McTeacher's Night

Underneath the golden arches of the McDonald's restaurant on Valley Boulevard, high school musicians entertained and served their community. The Colton High School music department's first ever McTeacher's Night was underway last Wednesday, Feb. 19, as 37 music program students - band, choir and winter guard students - and nine adults that included the Music Director Lisa Nicolay, Band Booster Secretary Sheralyn Milton and seven parent volunteers helped serve 247 customers throughout the night, providing them with both delectable eats and musical performances outside the restaurant. "It was really fun with the kids performing a little bit," said Nicolay. The band is seen throughout the year at various community events, including city parades, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and various business grand openings. "We're out at these events and it's always great fun. McDonald's was so nice and supportive of the kids." The music program made roughly $350 total in the fundraiser, taking about 10 percent of food sales and 100 percent of all cookie sale proceeds, shared Milton. Cookies were made and packaged by adult volunteers and then sold by the music students near the restaurant's drive-thru area, she explained. The success of this year's inaugural McTeacher's Night fundraiser came on the heels of theft of equipment from the music program during the winter break, shared Nicolay; the band's trailer was broken into and amps, keyboards, bass guitars and saxophones were stolen. "We're slowly replacing that and the kids are working really hard," said Nicolay. Funds are also being used to help refurbish older equipment and instruments, shared Milton. With funds from various fundraising programs like McTeacher's Night, the music program is also looking into the possibility of purchasing new uniforms for the choir students, she said. Overall, both Nicolay and Milton felt the McTeacher's Night event was a success. "The kids really enjoyed it and we had so many people who were interested in supporting the band," said Milton, who currently has two children in the program - junior Wyatt, the program's French Horn player, and freshman Laney, who plays the violin and is active in both the color guard and winter guard programs. "We're hoping to continue this on and move forward." Nicolay thanked one of the program's "biggest supporters" for his contribution on Wednesday night. Drum teacher George Edwards showed up and purchased the students food, she said. "We're excited about continuing this through the year," said Milton of the McTeacher's Night fundraiser, which she said they may be able to host every quarter. Other fundraising opportunities the department is looking into include a possible dinner show event including dinner and performances by the music students, as well as car wash fundraisers and preparing for next year's annual cancer walk, said Milton. With the success of the fundraiser in their midst, Nicolay said the music students prepared for their participation in the annual Chinese New Year Parade in L.A. last Saturday, and is preparing to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in San Diego next month. "We look forward to these events, and we really represent Colton well," said Nicolay.