The Dartmouth High School cafeteria was transformed into a discount mattress showroom, as you might find at any Sleep Number store, on Jan. 14 as part of the Dartmouth School Music Association’s fifth annual mattress fundraiser. 

The one-day event, which offered mattresses at a 15% to 35% discount, typically clears anywhere from $4500 to $7000. The proceeds go toward Dartmouth Public Schools’ bands, including the orchestra, show choir, winter guard and percussion. The money raised helps cover travel expenses, costumes, instruments or anything else the students may need to perform.  

Rachel Hutson, who manages the music association’s fundraising efforts, wore a mattress costume as she greeted people at the door. 

“Our band is wonderful. And I love how all the children lean on one another,” Hutson said. “We’re just a big, great band family.”

High school bands frequently travel for out-of-state competitions. The percussion group and indoor color guard are traveling to Dayton, Ohio in April to compete in the Winter Guard International Championships, and the orchestra is going to Spain in February 2025. In November, the Dartmouth High School marching band competed in the Bands of America Grand National Championships held in Indianapolis. 

For the most part, parents and families cover the cost of hotel stays, buses and plane tickets. Fundraisers, like the mattress sale, cover some of those expenses, said Music Association President Amy Dion. The music department gives its students a “repertoire of experiences” and life skills, Dion explained, and fundraisers like this make those experiences and travel opportunities possible. 

“The staff here are always trying to give their students a rich experience,” Dion said. 

Founded in 2005, Custom Fundraising Solutions organizes mattress fundraisers like this across the country to raise money for extracurricular school programs. CFS receives its mattresses through its contracts with major mattress retailers.   

The music association holds fundraising events throughout the year. People interested in donating to or volunteering for the music association can visit dsmahome.org

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly conflated the Dartmouth School Music Association and Dartmouth Public Schools music departments. The Dartmouth School Music Association provides support and funding for the school bands.

Additionally, the earlier version incorrectly stated that the show choir would be traveling to Ohio in April. In fact, only the percussion group and indoor color guard will be attending.