The Lakewood High School orchestra takes the stage Nov. 1, 2025, for a full day of performances to raise money for the school’s orchestra program. “Life-changing,” said Michael Dandron, the orchestra director for Lakewood High School.

These words are what Dandron believes describe Music Marathon, not just for himself but for the students and faculty who participate in this fundraiser. Music Marathon is an annual fundraising event for the Lakewood High School orchestra. This year, it raised over $12,000.

Students and staff spend over 13 hours at the high school practicing and playing their instruments. The event featured performances of pop, rock and classical songs by the school’s full orchestra, chamber orchestra and the Lakewood Project.

Former orchestra director, Elizabeth Hankins said, “All of the money that is raised goes directly to new instruments, sectional coaches, private lessons, uniforms and music.” Community members, students, families and friends are invited to have “Dessert with the Arts,” where while watching the orchestra students perform you are able to enjoy coffee, desserts and even pizza from Angelo’s while watching the orchestra perform.

The origin and evolution of the Music Marathon began about 25 years ago with a wind ensemble trip to England. To raise money for that trip, the group held the very first Music Marathon, a tradition later continued by the orchestra.

“This is probably our 23rd or 24th year that we’ve done it … It started as an all-night event, but because nobody could stay awake, I thought, let’s do ‘Dessert with the Arts’ instead,” said Hankins. Music Marathon has now become a 13-hour event during the day for the students to practice their music while also being connected to the community.

The main goal of Music Marathon is to bring the community together by having students and teachers take part in a fundraiser that can help pay for students’ orchestra needs. Dandron said, “The rehearsal that you get on stage is some of the most effective rehearsals that we have all year.” Not only are the students practicing the music they will play for the fundraiser, but also for the winter concerts. Hankins said, “There’s a lot of growth musically that happens during this rehearsal time and oftentimes the seniors say it’s the best part.”

The students also enjoy spending time together during the event. “Letting the students get to be social with each other is really important for us, because we think it builds the community,” said Dandron. When they aren’t practicing their instruments they play games, eat, dance and talk with one another.

The event starts around 4 a.m. for the orchestra directors. “Our officers showed up at 5 a.m. and then we went straight until 7 p.m.,” said Dandron. Orchestra officers arrive an hour earlier to help set up.

Students play a central role in making Music Marathon possible. Every high school orchestra participated, from the Freshmen Groups and String Orchestra to the Philharmonic, Camerata, Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, even the Lakewood Project.

Volunteers also play an essential role in the event, providing food and drinks for the students. The orchestra members couldn’t do it without their help. Throughout the day, students are fed pumpkin pancakes, tacos, pizza and drinks, all provided by students, friends, and volunteers. Kennedi Byroads, a symphony orchestra member, said, “My favorite part of Music Marathon is seeing everybody, talking and having delicious food that people’s parents supply.”

Not only are students participating, but if parents, friends and family all help raise money. They offer incentives such as being able to go up on stage and conduct or choose a song the orchestra will play. Dandron said, “We want to spread the word to the community and let them have an opportunity to be a part of it, so like to come on stage and conduct.”

Music Marathon has become a staple of the Lakewood High School orchestra. The one word that describes the Music Marathon, Hankins said, is “Community, because we’re an ensemble that has to play together, trust each other and spend quality time together.” Byroads said, “Collaborative, because everyone, even if you’re not on stage, they’re rehearsing in practice rooms and just learning and showing new music.”

Music Marathon continues to be more than just a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of connection, teamwork and shared passion. The Lakewood High School orchestra strengthens its sense of community year after year, keeping the spirit of the event alive for future generations of musicians.