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Day-long music event aids Dist. 150

Live music will play on Olin Quad for 24 consecutive hours starting at 5 p.m. today.
This year marks the 11th year of the 24 Hours of Music, where bands and performers, playing everything from hard rock to Christian, jazz to classical and more, play on the quad for free.
The lineup includes small-name groups and well-known choral groups such as On the Rocks. There are also student musicians Bradley has heard before such as Cheryl Rodey and Jared Bartman.
The purpose of 24 Hours of Music is to benefit Peoria School District 150 music teachers. The group said its goal is to raise more than $2,000 for these music programs so the district can afford new music and instruments for its students.
President of 24 Hours of Music Carolyn Sauer said she thinks the group’s cause is an important one.
“Music programs are not only being cut across the country, but even in our own neighborhood,” she said. “Without the support and sponsorship of student organizations, businesses, individuals and of course musicians, 24 Hours of Music wouldn’t happen each year.”
Sauer also said the 24 hours was a way of showing support to kids.
“It shows the kids, in the 150 school district, in a small way that we care and want to help them succeed,” she said. “We strive to make a 24-hour concert event that anyone can come by and enjoy, but we also strive to help local students not have to give up something they enjoy … nothing tops the knowledge of knowing that you are helping a local student in the midst of all the fun.”
The group is raising money by getting organizations around campus to sponsor an hour of music and buy a banner that will represent their organization during performances, as well as accepting donations.
In addition to musical performances, 24 Hours of Music is also hosting a bags tournament at noon tomorrow in the quad during performances. Also, throughout the entire event there will be games, special raffles, T-shirt giveaways, sales and opportunities for students to get involved.
In addition to the musical lineup, there are also performances by non-musical groups such as salsa dancers from Body Fitness and BBQ Kitten.
“I am hoping that people will come out to the event and realize you don’t have to be a rock star or a music major to make music,” Sauer said. “That music can be made by anyone and it doesn’t matter the instrument, the style or even the sound as long as you love doing it.”
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