A few months ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brian Smith, the new band director at Hillcrest High School. He’s the kind of the teacher you wish there were more of, because it’s evident his heart is invested in the kids he works with. In just two years, he’s grown the band from about 19 kids to more than 120. And under his leadership, the band earned its highest UIL rating in 15 years. And he grew the color guard from about 3 kids to more than 30.
But Smith and the kids he teaches are in dire need of some financial help. Right now, for example, the color guard can’t even afford uniforms and several kids are borrowing instruments from other schools. The district has cut the band’s budget more than 50 percent, down to $1,200 — which comes out to about $11 per kid for the entire year. If you’ve ever had a kid in band, you know that doesn’t even begin to cover it.
A group of parents are now putting out a call to neighbors and local business owners for help. If you’d like to make a donation of any sort, you can email parent Tamara Johnson. And here after the jump, you can find a detailed outline of what the kids need.
The Panther Pride Band is looking for corporate and individual sponsorships to assist with:
-10 Uniform Replacement Pants at $90/each: $ 900
-Repair and Replace Storage in Band Hall: $1,000
-Band Trailer Signage with Corporate Sponsor Name: $1,000
-1 Fox Oboe: $2,500
-1 Fox Bassoon, $3,500
-Four (4) Sousaphones at $1,500/each: $6,000
-25 Full Band Uniforms at $300/each: $7,500
*All corporate donations will be acknowledged with signage and mention in all concert programs, banners at games, and fundraising tent.
