The William Penn Senior High School band boosters are orchestrating a comeback for York City's music program.

The school board, facing a massive budget deficit, voted last month to reduce the music staff to three teachers, and that's only after initially considering eliminating all six; the gym and art department had similar reductions.

While parents seemed pleased at the time that students would get at least some music instruction, the boosters still gathered 1,600 signatures in support of full restoration of the music program.

"We have great concerns. I don't know how three teachers are going to sustain our music program," said Kim Ferrere, one of the petition organizers and a 1979 York High graduate.

The York High band dates back to 1926, and has been featured on television, while the district's choir program dates back about 30 years, according to the boosters.

Now the boosters are taking the next step, with the blessing of the school district, by holding a fundraiser for the music program.

On Saturday, July 28, at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, the Continue the Music benefit concert will be held, with all donations supporting the cause.

The 7 p.m. show will feature local and regional acts performing everything from jazz fusion to rock. Performers include Booker Lee & The County Fair, Changing Tides, Don Carn & Friends, Hiersonic, Islands Apart, Jackie Cassatt of Red Room and First Capital Brass. Details about the performers is at www.continuethemusic.com."Any funds are going to be really appreciated by us," Ferrere said.

-- Reach Andrew Shaw at ashaw@yorkdispatch.com