Students, faculty and anyone with an interest in musical performances can attend the 2014 Music Gala Fundraiser this weekend.

At the event, the wind ensemble and orchestra will join the choir in a performance that takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 9 in the high school auditorium.

Students will perform music from Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” as well as scenes from Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms,” “Mass,” “Candide” and “West Side Story.”

Director of Choirs John Myszkowski said the event will feature artist-in-residence Dr. Matthew Mehaffey, an associate professor of music at the University of Minnesota and the Artistic Director of the Oratorio Society of Minnesota.

Myszkowski said a grant received to hire Mehaffey means the chamber orchestra and wind ensemble will join the event to perform “Gloria,” unlike previous years. Myszkowski said he is honored to have Mehaffey come in and work with all these students.

“Dr. Mehaffey began working with us in December. He goes through his style and interpretation of the pieces and also re-enforces things we emphasize here at school,” Myszkowski said. “It’s very beneficial for students.”

Although school cancellation caused by cold weather interfered with scheduled rehearsals, Myszkowski said the performers are currently very prepared for the event.

“Being that we lost a week of practicing time because of school cancellations, it is monumental for us to be as prepared as we are right now,” he said.

Sophomore orchestra chamber member Daniel Takata said he is excited to perform in the Musical Gala.

“I think it’s cool to be able to perform with the choir and work with the talented Dr. Mehaffey,” Takata said.

Myszkowski said the event is not only a new, different experience from past years for those who attend, but also for those who are participating.

“It’s a new repertoire and the audience will be able to hear something different from every performer,” he said. “We hope to get exposure and engage the students in a new process with a new instructor.”

The Gala Fundraiser costs $7 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adult tickets and proceedings will fund the Park music programs. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://www.slp-music.eventbrite.com.