Schools

Supporting the Sounds of Music

Parents lead effort to keep Blue Devil marching band funded.

’s marching band isn’t about to let a little funding gap knock it off the field.

Caught up in the looming budget cuts the district is imposing on progams, the formidable Band Parents Association has taken on the challenge of coming up with nearly $37,000 to keep the band going next year. Early indications are that that’s just what they’ll do.

 "I don’t think it would have been possible if  it weren’t for such a big group like this,” Martha Ironman, co-president of the parents group said. “It’s great so many parents are coming forward to keep this program established for next year.”

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The group has already raised about $7,000 through bake sales and other events. Dee Antonucci, vice president of the group said, said the parents and students had conducted a spring bulb sale and plans on future sales such as gift wrapping paper, Yankee Candles, fall bulbs, summer car washes and a pancake breakfast in December.

But the next big effort is tonight’s casino-style “Beat the Odds Night” at The Inn at Fox Hollow in Woodbury. The event includes a cocktail hour, dinner, casino entertainment and raffles. 

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On Monday, Kohl’s employees will be playing in a basketball tournament at Finley Middle School, with about 60 members of the marching band performing as a pep band. Kohl’s has promised a donation to the fundraising effort, using proceeds from food sales and raffle baskets.  Other fundraisers include the band supporting a car show by marching from the Huntington Fire Department to Black and Blue. A garage sale and car washes are also on the schedule.

The district is picking up about 60 percent of the cost of continuing the marching band program, leaving the band parents to find the rest. Parents and students are particularly proud of the 76-year history of the competitive marching band, which has about 116 members this year. Ironman said the band is expected to grow to 130 to 140 members next year.


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