Nineteenth-century artist Henry Wadsworth Longhorn said music is the universal language of mankind.

Music might be a common bond that transcends culture, but the war to save music in local schools rages on, as California school districts make cuts to performing arts programs to keep academic programs on track. To help alleviate that problem at the high school level, local Rotary clubs are banding together to host a fundraiser to support music programs at Antioch, Deer Valley, Freedom, Heritage, Liberty and Pittsburg high schools.

The Battle of the Bands and Choir Competition is scheduled for Saturday, May 5 at Deer Valley High, 4700 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. Bands will take the stage at 10 a.m. and choirs will battle at noon. The competition will feature performances by each high school’s jazz band as well as local youth rock ’n’ roll and worship bands. The choir competition will feature performances by school choirs and community church choirs.

“Music is very important,” said event organizer Richard McDaniel. “Rotary’s motto is service about self, and this is an idea that all of the local Rotary clubs got behind to save music in our schools.”

The music will continue throughout the day and come to an exciting end as Stevie Keys of Tower of Power fame takes the stage for a 90-minute set. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the gate. Attendees will get a wristband that guarantees in-and-out privileges so they can come and go at their leisure. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Tickets are available through the high school music departments. For more information, call McDaniel at 925-998-1764.