Clear Spring band raising money for new uniforms, trip

October 29, 2007|By ERIN CUNNINGHAM

CLEAR SPRING - Clear Spring High School's marching band needs to raise more than $32,000 to replace uniforms that are more than a decade old.

Band Director Joel Guyton said the school's band boosters already have raised about half of what is needed, and the band hopes to have the new uniforms by early next year.

Each uniform costs about $380, and Guyton said they'll probably purchase 85.

There are 60 students in the marching band, but he said it is better to get extra uniforms, so there are more sizes to choose from.

"I think this will give the kids a fresh new look," Guyton said. "The design is a little more modern to help transition the band into the 21st century."

The band hopes to be wearing the new uniforms for a performance in March 2008 in Florida. To meet that goal, the band boosters will have to raise the money by the end of the year.

"The old ones need to be replaced," Guyton said. "They're over 10 years old. They show wear and tear. The main thing is just to give them a new look."

Band boosters have raised nearly half of the $32,000 needed to buy new uniforms from area businesses and residents. Guyton said raffles during football games and donations have brought in several hundred dollars.

A letter was mailed to local businesses explaining the need for new uniforms. Guyton said they've been fundraising for uniforms for about one year.

"The next step is to actually come in and fit the kids," he said.

Fittings likely will take place in November.

Guyton said the boosters have a monthly fundraiser, with some of the money going to uniforms and some going into an account for the March trip.

That money helps the students fund the trip to Florida.