Freshman Jeff Lane remembers being a sixth-grader sitting in a middle school auditorium listening to the Gloucester High School stage band, The Docksiders, and being consumed by the music.

"They were just so good," said Jeff, 15. "I've been playing the trumpet since I was young and just fell in love with the band. I wanted to be part of them, too."

Three years later, Jeff has accomplished his goal of joining the band. Now his focus has shifted to performing for the public where the bigger audience the better.

Next year, he might get a chance to perform for throngs of spectators as the group expects to receive an invitation to once again play at Walt Disney World in Florida. But along with practicing to get ready, members of The Docksiders also need to raise money for the trip - almost $30,000 - before the end of December to be able to send the entire band to Orlando.

"Every one of us is really looking forward to this trip," he said. "Especially freshmen like me. This trip will be our first."

The Docksiders will host a 6 p.m. fundraiser tomorrow at the Gloucester House restaurant where there will be a live and silent auction. During the event, the public can also hear The Docksiders perform about 7 p.m.

The group has 200 items to be auctioned, said Lisa Martin, a member of the Docksiders Fundraising Committee and mother of Daniel Martin, who plays the keyboard.

Among those items up for bid during the live auction are four Red Sox owner seats for a July home game and autographed sporting memorabilia from Red Sox, Boston Celtics and New England Patriots players.

There is also an array of art pieces from local artists, gift certificates, restaurant vouchers and much more, she said.

"There will a little bit of everything for everybody," Martin added.

Over the last five years, the students have performed along with the Cape Ann Symphony at its holiday concerts, at Walt Disney World's Magic Music Days in April 2003, at Disneyland's Magic Music Days in April 2006 in California, as well as at many civic functions in Gloucester, such as Mayor Bell's inauguration, Memorial Day and Veterans Day services.

David Adams, a high school music teacher and director of The Docksiders, said the fundraiser is key to raising money for the trip, which he believes is one of the most important events the students participate in during their high school career.

"I think playing in front of hundreds of people like we do in Florida, their self-confidence goes up," said Adams, who has been involved with the group since it formed about eight years ago.

The trip to Walt Disney World is part of Disney's Magic Music Days, where school bands from around the country are invited to play at different events.

The Florida event happens every two years and, although it isn't until April 2008, organizers of the fundraiser don't want to take any chances of not being able to raise adequate money.

Sophomore Abi Geraghty, 16, is also hoping to make her first trip with the band to Florida.

"I just heard it is a great time for the students, but is also a good to show people from around the country a little more about Gloucester," said Abi, a trombone player.

Just like Jeff, Abi saw the band perform during her middle school years and fell in love with the band. Now a member of the band, she said it's all that she could have imagined.

"We're all like a big family," she said.

Freshman saxophone player Alexis DiGregorio, 15, is also in her first year in the band and said it was all she expected.

"Everybody here welcomes you with open arms," she said.

She is also excited about next year's trip, which will be her first with the band, and is hopeful the community steps up to help the Docksiders.

"All of us have been working very hard, but unfortunately we can't do it without people's support," Alexis said.