Rio Americano Students Host Annual Music Marathon
The Sacramento high school students perform continuous music to support local band and orchestra programs.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Approximately 200 band students at Rio Americano High School held their annual Play-A-Thon to raise funds for instruments and sheet music. The event also marked a farewell for longtime band director Josh Murray, who is retiring after three decades of teaching.
Why it matters
The annual fundraiser is essential for maintaining the quality of school music programs by covering the costs of necessary equipment and educational materials. The event serves as a long-standing tradition that bridges the gap between high school musicians and local younger students.
Students set a fundraising goal of more than $25,000 to support approximately 200 band members. The marathon features performances spanning from 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.
The players
Rio Americano High School
This is a public secondary school located in Sacramento that hosts extensive band and orchestra programs.
Josh Murray
He is the retiring band director who has dedicated 30 years to teaching music at the school.
The details
Participants keep the music playing continuously throughout the day while wearing costumes and hosting students from elementary and middle schools. The event has been a cornerstone of the school culture since its inception, fostering collaboration across age groups.
Timeline
The annual Play-A-Thon began in 1981.
The 2026 fundraiser occurred on October 23, 2026.
Market Landscape
The school follows the long-standing tradition established by the 1981 inception of the Rio Americano Play-A-Thon. This annual event reinforces the importance of community-supported arts education in an era of tightening school budgets.
Local supporters and families contribute directly to the maintenance of musical instruments and essential sheet music for the student body. The event provides a unique opportunity for elementary and middle school students in the area to engage with the high school music program.
The takeaway
Community-led fundraising marathons offer a sustainable model for keeping extracurricular arts programs alive in public schools. Residents interested in supporting local music education can engage with such events to ensure long-term stability for student performers.
Further reading
Learn more about local support for the arts in our Sacramento Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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Should local music programs rely on annual fundraisers rather than guaranteed school budget funding?
