MARION — On the night before their final day of school, Sippican Elementary School students got a little taste of summer at the school’s 22nd annual Band Blast on Monday, June 10.

Along with giving students a chance to play their instruments and an assortment of games while consuming sugar, the Band Blast serves as a fundraiser for the school’s music program.

Hannah Moore has been teaching music at the Sippican School since 1993. She came up with the idea of the event in 2002.

“It’s what we all need,” said Moore. “It’s a wonderful community here.”

Moore said that the Band Blast has only grown “bigger and bigger” over the years. Each year, a different theme determines certain aspects of the event.

This year’s theme was Mardi Gras. A New Orleans-style jazz band played music while students took turns flying down a waterslide and jousting in an inflatable arena during the first half of the event.

In the second half, students picked up their instruments and showed their parents what they learned over the course of the school year.

According to Moore, the event would be impossible to put on if not for the willingness of parents to help out with serving food and running other activities. Moore said that 60 to 70 volunteers had a role in the event.

Sippican School Band Blast is always held on the night before the final day of the school year, which is a half-day.

“The kids are wiped, we just have to survive a half of a day tomorrow,” joked Moore.

Although the event provides students with a fun evening with their classmates and families, the signs of a “thriving” music program make the night a success for Moore.

Funds raised during the Band Blast help cover travel costs and instrument repairs, among other needs for the program.

“I think when you are a teacher you want to give memories,” said Moore. “Memories are important but more important to me is the message behind keeping a thriving music program going in our school. I’m pretty passionate about it. I've spent my life doing it in a program that's completely inclusion focused, which is what we have here. All the kids get a chance to be in the band.”