Running marathons is not an easy task. But raising money for the University Wind Quintet is not, either.
As a member of the West Point Army Band from 1969 to 1972, John Barcellona was an accomplished flutist early in his life. But it wasn’t until the late 1980s that the Cal State Long Beach music professor took interest in running marathons.
Every year, approximately 7,000 fliers are printed to promote the University Wind Quintet Scholarship. It involves Barcellona, 62, in annual marathons to raise money for the quintet, which he directs. He participated in the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach on Feb. 7 with a time of 4:29:21, placing 1,251 out of 2,360 according to the marathon Web site. Barcellona has ran 60 marathons to date.
Running in these events comes naturally for Barcellona. He has been running marathons since 1986 — mostly local ones — including the Long Beach Marathon. But he isn’t doing it for the fame and glory. His efforts benefit CSULB’s University Wind Quintet. Barcellona commits himself to run the marathon no matter what, rain or shine.
He was originally inspired to run in these events from his friends Hugh and Amy Goldstein, who are now in their 80s. Amy has run about 120 marathons in her lifetime.
Though they have retired from running, Barcellona’s friends continue to support his cause by helping with fliers. Other volunteers include members of the National Flute Association, the Los Angeles Musicians Union and people who have attended previous events.
The University Wind Quintet was formed in the early 1980s at CSULB and is comprised of a horn player, oboe player, flutist, bassoonist and clarinetist. The group is able to flourish with the help of Barcellona’s efforts to raise money. Barcellona said the scholarship has improved the quality of those who have joined the quintet and that the group has become well-respected over the years.
He said, “the quintet is composed of the finest wind players,” and are recognized as the strongest musicians in the department.
Aside from the money made from annual marathons, revenue earned from concerts also help with funding.
“It’s a great feeling when people give money to support the quintet,” Barcellona said.
According to Everything Long Beach, Barcellona has raised about $60,000 to date and nets approximately $3,000 annually. Though no specific numbers were given, Barcellona said donors are not able to cap their donations, knowing how much is being made. He said that not much money is earned but it is always a good thing to get donations to support the group.