It’s a little peculiar that a group of young teens would eagerly sign up to spend their Friday afternoons at school, but it takes a certain amount of dedication to be the best, and that’s what these kids are after.

The Symphonic Band at Oak Harbor Middle School already acts as a host to a few trophies and awards. Last year they were selected to play at the Washington Music Educators Association State Conference in Yakima after sending in an audition CD. Though 26 bands sent in recordings, they were the only group selected. In Anacortes last year, they achieved the top score of Superior at a junior band contest.

This fall the kids are only becoming stronger players. OHMS band director Patrick Manuel said this group of students is one of the most talented he’s ever taught.

“Their sound and instrumentation are what I’m really excited about,” he said.

The kids attend class and have after school rehearsals on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Because of their commitment, Manuel wants to give his students a chance to compete in a national competition in Anaheim, Calif., this April. He picked out prospective pieces for the contest and handed them out to the students last May to practice during the summer. The only catch is that the trip costs just over $50,000 for the group.

In the summer months, Manuel worked with a few community volunteers to help fundraising efforts get off the ground.

“We need all the help we can get,” parent volunteer Brian Jones said. “It’s a significant mountain to climb, but we’re pretty positive. I think the community at large is seeing this as a really positive way to support the arts.”

Jones began spearheading a business plan for the trip months ago and has organized candy sales, car washes, special performances and a sponsorship program for this students. His daughter plays flute in the Symphonic Band and he said after hearing the kids perform, he knew they deserved this opportunity.

“For the most part these students have been playing only two years, and they’re spectacular,” he said.

And it’s obvious the kids are willing to work hard to get in the spotlight. In addition to fundraising, the students have been practicing much more than the required 150 minutes a week and many are taking private lessons.

Flute player Dallas Breilein said Manuel is an effective teacher, and she feels that under his leadership she’s able to learn her parts more quickly.

Eighth grader and trombone player Hailey Pearce agreed. She said Manuel’s enthusiasm and ambition make her fellow players want to achieve more.

“He’s the drill sergeant, and we’re the ninjas,” she said. “We’re going to do fantastic.”

The Symphonic Band will host a “Night of the Arts” fundraising event on Oct. 27 in the Student Union Building of Oak Harbor High School at 6 p.m. The kids will be performing and highschoolers from Oak Harbor’s award-winning culinary arts program will serve dinner. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at Jones Accounting Associates, 1199 SE Dock St., or by calling Brian Jones at 360-969-4664. Additionally, at the Oak Harbor AutoZone today, Oct. 2, the kids are holding a car wash from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.