By RUBEN CARRILLO
Mending ripped color guard flags stitch by stitch they work their way toward the end of the linen, finishing the flags and band uniforms. These band boosters work day in and day out putting their heart and soul into everything they do for the band.
The 70 active boosters assist the band directors and students with anything they need for marching, concert and winter guard season. They also help with chaperoning, fund raising, and fixing uniforms and flags.
“Being a band booster means a lot to me because I care about music and education. The band is made up of 180 amazing kids and two very talented directors, and I love being able to support them,” booster vice president Suzanne Komanski said.
Students in band spend approximately seven hours practicing per week after school.
“Being part of the band is a big commitment because the kids put a lot of time and effort into it, and they must be very dedicated. They must practice at home not just on the field,” Komanski said.
Last March the band traveled to the Big Apple to play at Carnegie Hall.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for these kids. And I was glad to share it with them,” Komanski said with a smile on her face.
Parents of band members do not have to become band boosters but are strongly encouraged to do so.
The assistant band director Jose Eslava described the most helpful booster’s as always being there when needed, they go with the flow, they do not refute things and do not try to change things.
For each home game there are about 25 boosters who show up to volunteer. They either help with the concession stand, grill burgers, get kids ready for the game or fill water bottles.
Brad Rohrer-Colvin is one of the 180 band kids who enjoys the company of the band boosters.
“I love the boosters; they bring food and drinks. Without boosters there would be no band. They keep the band members from going insane,” Rohrer-Colvin said.
The boosters arrive at the same time as the band members do, which is about 4 p.m., sometimes earlier, and they stay until all the equipment is put away and all uniforms are collected. After an away game this can be as late as 1 a.m.
“It’s nice to know that the parents and the school system are working together to help us out,” Rohrer-Colvin said.
The boosters work to help the band and the band directors with each and every little thing., but it also means very few days off especially during marching season.