On a spring afternoon each year, the stage at Samuell-Grand Amphitheater fills with music, laughter, and the unmistakable energy of a community coming together. Known as CATFest, the event has grown into one of the most anticipated traditions supporting the Woodrow Wilson Wildcat Band. But behind the music and festivities are the dedicated people who make it possible—teachers, parents, and volunteers who believe deeply in the power of the arts.

Two of those faces are Caitlin Schmidt, Woodrow Wilson’s band director, and Linda Louden, a Lakewood parent and leader with the Woodrow Band Boosters. Their paths to CATFest are different, but their shared commitment to students and community is what keeps the event thriving.

Schmidt’s journey to Woodrow began more than a decade ago. She spent ten years teaching at Long Middle School before transitioning to Woodrow in 2022. Inspired by influential band directors during her own school years, she knew early on that she wanted to help young musicians discover the same sense of belonging that music once gave her.

That sense of belonging is something she works to cultivate every day in the Woodrow band program. Unlike many high school programs that require prior experience, Woodrow’s band welcomes students at all skill levels.

“We ensure kids have a safe space where everyone feels welcome,” Schmidt says. “Some students join without ever having played an instrument before. Our job is to help them find their place and feel seen, included, and appreciated.”

Events like CATFest play an essential role in making that mission possible. The festival is the band’s largest fundraiser, helping provide resources the district does not cover—from uniforms and instruments to marching show design and sound equipment. Just as importantly, the funds help provide lessons and opportunities for students who are newer to music and working to catch up with peers who have been playing longer.

For Schmidt, the event is also one of the most rewarding moments of the year. “It’s one of the few times I get to perform with the students,” she says. “Watching them play popular music with a live rock band and seeing their faces light up when everything comes together—it’s just incredible.”

The energy often begins when the drumline steps in. Under the direction of Percussion Director Paul Won, the percussion section kicks things off with high-energy cadences that quickly get the crowd moving and set the tone for the day.

While Schmidt guides the musical side of the program, the success of CATFest also relies on an army of volunteers working behind the scenes. That’s where parents like Linda Louden step in.

Louden and her husband chose Lakewood for its strong schools, convenient location, and welcoming community. When her son entered Woodrow as a freshman, she found she finally had the time to volunteer more consistently and began spending time supporting different areas of campus life, including the band program.

“When you’re a Band Mom, it’s not just about your particular kid,” Louden says. “It’s about supporting and celebrating all the students, the directors, and the entire band family.”

Organizing CATFest takes months of planning, from coordinating performances and raffles to recruiting volunteers and connecting with local businesses. But Louden says the experience becomes easier—and more fun—the more people who get involved.

“The success of the Wildcat Band really comes from three parts working together: the band, the directors, and the boosters,” she explains. “We need all three.”

For both Schmidt and Louden, CATFest represents more than a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of music, collaboration, and the Lakewood community’s commitment to its students. The festival brings together families, local performers, and neighborhood organizations for an afternoon filled with live music, games, and food—all in support of young musicians.

By the end of the day, the hope is that families leave feeling proud of the students and inspired by what the community can accomplish together.

Neighbors are invited to experience it for themselves on April 26 from noon to 3 p.m. at Samuell-Grand Amphitheater. With live performances, family-friendly activities, and a lineup of local talent, CATFest promises an afternoon where the music—and the community spirit—take center stage.

And for those looking to get involved, there’s always room for another helping hand. After all, as the Woodrow band family knows well, the best traditions are the ones a community builds together.