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24 hours of music fundraising for local fine arts programs

The Markin Family Student Recreation Center will be alive with music tonight.
A fundraiser for Peoria local schools’ fine art programs will take shape in the 24 Hours of Music. The event is held every spring and includes music such as rock, techno, classical, Christian, acappella and jazz.
The Peoria Jazz All Stars will be the opening act for the event, starring students from four Peoria public high schools.
According to a recent press release, University President Joanne Glasser will also be making an appearance at the event and will start the concert with a welcome to the community and a dance.
Carolyn Sauer, senior music business major and 24 Hours of Music president said the event is important because “it strives to help the youth of our community to better themselves through music, by providing a means to help the teachers get more supplies.”
The press release states “music teachers in District 150 receive $120 or less each year for their programs. This cannot repair an instrument or purchase other much needed music items.”
The event will not just host an array of musical talent. The Bradley University Swingers will be dancing, and volleyball, button-making and food will be available.
A not-so-ordinary petting zoo will be present for students to enjoy. 
“We have an instrument petting zoo where people can actually play a tuba, flute, bongos and other instruments while getting their picture taken,” said Erin Adler, a senior public relations major.
The event originated at Bradley in 1998, when Jeremy Evans, a Phi Mu Alpha alumnus, wanted to help District 150 schools receive donations for their fine arts program.
Adler said the event will be a great opportunity for all students.
“I think it is a fun event and unique in that it lasts 24 hours,” she said. “People can continually come at different times and find something new. I want to show the Peoria community that there are Bradley students that care about the community and want to help.”
Sauer confirmed the need for students to attend.
“Musicians are fueled by their audience, the more people we have, the more the musicians will be pumped to play,” she said.
Sauer also wanted students to know that, “All musicians give freely of their time, no matter how far they drive, they give up the time and dedicate it to the cause of music education.”
The 24 Hours of Music has received donations from the Peoria Area Music Education Association, Sigma Alpha Iota, Phi Mu Alpha, Peoria Chiefs Baseball, One World and the Rhythm Kitchen.
Adler stressed the importance of the event by acknowledging that, “music education provides positive opportunities for everyone involved and I think Peoria children could use this.”
Sauer said donations will be accepted at the event or by contacting her at 24Hoursofmusic@gmail.com.
The event begins at 5 p.m. tonight and will conclude at 5 p.m. Saturday. 
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