Highlands Ranch High School Orchestra members will be seeking pledges for a 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 9 Playathon, planned to raise money for a spring break 2011 Band/Choir/Orchestra trip to Florida’s Disney Parks. Some of this time will be for focused individual practice, group rehearsals and a dress rehearsal performance to prepare for the first concert of the year.

The Playathon will be a rehearsal for a 7 p.m. Oct. 12 concert at HRHS.

During the Disney Parks trip, musicians will play Disney movie music and record backstage music for a Disney video. Joint ensembles will perform in the parks and receive adjudication by top national musicians.

Director Ryan Woodworth says, “Our purpose in this travel performance is more than just playing in a new location; it is to build excitement and importance of the arts in the community of Highlands Ranch and in Douglas County. HRHS music students need to see that the arts strengthen our society and give each student the confidence they need as they grow into a well-rounded adult.”

Woodworth began as director at HRHS in fall 2009. A University of Northern Colorado music graduate in Double Bass Performance, he received a master’s degree and music education degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and worked as a freelance musician and clinician/lecturer in the Pittsburgh area before his return to Colorado.

He hopes to build community support for his young musicians. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting this effort may contact conductor Ryan Woodworth: ryan.woodworth@dcsdk12.org.