For the first time in nearly a decade, Sacramento Preparatory Music Academy is shaking things up. Instead of their traditional Beatles tribute, they’ll be performing “Guardians of the Galaxy Live in Concert.”
But there’s a bit of a worry. With just a few days until the show in Vacaville, ticket sales aren’t looking great.
“I’m feeling a bit frustrated about the low ticket sales,” said Benjamin McClara, the President and Artistic Director of SPMA. “I really hope we can get enough support to make this show happen.”
If sales don’t pick up significantly soon, McClara fears it could impact the academy. The concert will feature popular songs from the first two films, all played live by SPMA students and professional musicians.
At SPMA, students practice guitar in one-on-one lessons and group sessions each week. They’ve been learning the music for “Guardians” as McClara writes it, a project he’s been working on for the last two years.
“I create and arrange all the music,” says McClara. “While I’m composing, I also write parts specifically for my students.” Over these two years, he has gradually introduced more songs, and now they have enough for an exciting show.
SPMA aims to teach students not just guitar skills but also what it’s like to be a professional musician. “We prepare students to perform live on a big stage with a rock orchestra, which is an incredible experience for them,” McClara explained.
The upcoming show at Vacaville Performing Arts Theater is one of four performances on their tour, each designed to give students real insight into the music industry.
Over 30 performers will take the stage, but only nine of them are SPMA students. The rest include talented professionals and members of the Reconciliation Singers Voices of Peace (RSVP) Choir from Sacramento.
McClara thinks the transition from Beatles music might be a factor in the low ticket sales. “This band has a strong history as The Beatles Guitar Project. I think some fans are unsure about ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and that makes them hesitant,” he said. “It’s a risk for us.”
However, the response from their first performance in Folsom was encouraging. “The crowd was really enthusiastic and stood up to cheer,” McClara said.
The “Guardians of the Galaxy” films have unforgettable soundtracks featuring hits like “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede and “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5, songs that have become pop culture staples.
One special guest at the show will be a former SPMA student who’s now an adult, returning to sing classics like “I Want You Back,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “Cherry Bomb” by the Runaways.
“These songs play a crucial role in the storytelling of the movies,” McClara highlighted. “’Guardians of the Galaxy’ is truly unique—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
For those buying tickets online, a fundraising code, JEPSONAU20, can help support Jepson Middle School Band Boosters. The band director, Justin Au, will even make a special appearance at their show on January 18.
Find out more at sacprepmusic.com.
If you go …
- WHAT: Guardians of the Galaxy Live in Concert
- WHEN: January 18, 7 p.m.
- WHERE: Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Dr., Vacaville.
