'Taste of the Valley' to Benefit Murrieta School Bands

Band Boosters of and high schools, along with , and middle schools and several generous sponsors are hosting “Taste of the Valley” from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 at in Murrieta.

Several area restaurants and caterers have already signed up and will donate tasting portions to this event. In addition to the tastings, there will be a craft market for local vendors, crafters and artisans.

A book of 10 tastings is $20 per person presale and $25 on the day of the event. All proceeds from this event will to benefit the instrumental music programs of the participating schools.

Thanks to the generosity of the City of Murrieta, the event is being held at Town Square Park, said Christy Reichenbach of the Vista Murrieta Band Boosters.

"Because of this unique venue, that boasts an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by a beautiful grassy picnic area, there will be live music from recording artists’ singer/songwriter Kiki Ebson, Jazz trumpet player Barry Trop, saxophonist Jason Weber and singer Debra Davis as well as our student musicians who have donated their time and talents to support our schools’ music programs," Reichenbach said in a news release.

Production is being provided by Mike Ruiz of Viberent, Complete Entertainment Solutions.

"While many music programs have shut down, Murrieta’s school music programs have grown year after year, gaining a positive reputation in Southern California and nationally," Reichenbach said.

A recent independent ranking of marching bands cited the Vista Murrieta Golden Alliance Marching Band as No. 5 in the state.  

"This is a tremendous achievement for a marching band that has only been competing for seven years.

"Our newest high school's Murrieta Mesa Marching Emerald Brigade has been competing for only one year and sees its program expanding and improving in years to come.

"However these programs require funding for equipment, specialized coaching, music, transportation and many other demands  that our school district can no longer provide."

According to Reichenbach, Murrieta Mesa High School and Dorothy McElhinney Middle School, the two newest campuses, have been the hardest hit. Money that in the past would have been used to purchase basic necessities such as instruments is now being used to keep teachers on the job, she said.

The band boosters’ goal for the “Taste of the Valley” event is to alleviate some the fundraising burden from parents and schools.

Event coordinators are still adding restaurants and vendors at this time and can be contacted at 951-249-4954. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, Reichenbach said.