Abraxas Aid: Concerts to Benefit Local High School

In November 2011, Erin Culp and her husband moved in down the street from Abraxas High School, a continuation high school for students who are at risk of not graduating.

Roughly 90 percent of Abraxas students choose to attend because of the school’s mission to help them earn their diploma. According to the school’s website, Abraxas High largely focuses on “essential academic and extracurricular options” to accelerate the graduation process.

When Culp learned that Abraxas students do not have many elective class options, she was inspired to take action.

“I had this burning passion to start a music program there,” Culp said. “There is a lot of interest in guitar and music media from the students.”

Inspired by her involvement in benefit concerts put on by a friend in college and a music teacher for 11 years, Culp wanted to host a benefit of her own. Less than a year after moving to Poway, Culp’s plan will become a reality with a lineup featuring performances by the following students, faculty, local and professional musicians:

• Catherine Barnes 
• Haley Browning 
• Elisabeth Callahan 
• John Casias 
• Rebekah Foltz  
• Melanie Freeman 
• Ryan Hund 
• Sharmila Iyer 
• Venod Krishnamoorthy
• Malerie Manrique
• Ciara Rios
• Rich Scherf
• Manny Silva
• Rose Silva

“We wanted to make it a variety,” said Culp, who will also perform. “The students will see there’s a lot you can do with music.”

The concert will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Crosspointe Baptist Church and will last approximately 90 minutes.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and can be bought at the door. Raffle tickets for various prizes can also be purchased for $1 apiece. Proceeds and donations will go directly to Abraxas High School.