To compensate for band expenses, the Sound of the Braves will panhandle throughout the local community on Saturday, April 15, in their annual fundraising event, Band Blitz.
In the Blitz, groups of four or five band students walk surrounding neighborhoods requesting monetary donations for the band program. Funds contribute to relieving student’s personal financial obligation costs, purchasing new instruments or hiring marching band instructors.
“A lot of the surrounding community shows support for Boone pride,” sophomore Sarah Dooley, percussion, said. “We wear our orange uniforms so they recognize who we are and donate.”
While no overall total goal exists, the band in previous years raised close to $10,000. Additionally, the teams also compete within the band. Whichever team collects the most money receives a band related prize.
“[Students] usually have fun. They get to bond with people they may not know very well and get competitive to see who can bring in the most money,” assistant band director Stephen Cook said. “It helps that students have to be active to raise money to reap the benefits of new music and instruments.”
The funds contribute to a pivotal part of ensuring the continuation of the band program and help continue the connection between Sound of the Braves and the local community. It also helps secure the band members financially.
“Band Blitz is important because we have pretty high prices to pay and our budget is low in comparison to other schools, so it helps keep the program funding,” Dooley said.
Panhandling begins at 8 a.m. Additionally, students will leave pamphlets at unanswered homes that provide information on how to donate if one wants to donate but was not available.