ISHPEMING TOWNSHIP -- Rehearsals have been going on every day since the start of the school year.

"We're just going through music, trying to get better by speeding things up, slowing things down, trying out different techniques, and trying to make everything uniform," said Westwood High School student Mya Maanika.

The Westwood High School's "Voices in Motion" show choir, along with the W.H.S. Percussion Ensemble, have been practicing every day for their performances in a benefit concert coming up in October.

After some budget cuts to the school's music program, the Wednesday Night Music Club, a group of musicians from the Negaunee, Ishpeming, and Marquette area, decided to put on the "Keep the Music Alive" concert.

One hundred percent of the profit from the concert will go to support the school's music program budget to help with purchases like new music, new instruments, and replacement parts.

"Right now, we're 100 percent self-operational," said choral teacher Tony Beacco, "and that is why this group came forward and said, 'We know of a way that we can help out with replacing some of the money that you had lost since last school year.'"

The concert will also feature, mainly, local rock bands, but also some blues and even jazz.

"You can't sit there and read about jazz," said student Heather Brown.  "You don't know what it's like unless you hear it.  So, it's important to be able to experience that . Plus, we'll be doing a couple of numbers; it's really exciting!  We have a lot of really good choreography."

The concert takes place at Westwood High School Gym on Saturday, October 8, at 6 p.m.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 18 and can be purchased from performing students as well as other locations around Ishpeming.