Music students hold a noteworthy fundraiser in the San Fernando Valley

Car, as his students call him, is George Carganilla, Pacoima's longtime music teacher. The 30-year veteran retires in two weeks, two years earlier than he had planned, partly because of budget cuts.

In his time at Pacoima, he's been able to shuttle students from competition to competition using money raised in part by selling magazine subscriptions and crunchy crickets. When a trip to a San Francisco contest (they took first place) proved too costly, Carganilla charged some of the balance to his credit card, hoping to get reimbursed.

"We did it all," he said. "It was a pain, but it was worth it. The best part was being able to open their eyes to experiences they had never seen, to say, 'You're going to get in front of people and play on a stage.' "

In the end, Portola's band took second place, and its orchestra and chamber ensemble tied for first.

First thing on their shopping list?

"A timpani," Treworgy said. "I've had my eye on one of those for years for the orchestra."

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esmeralda.bermudez@latimes.com