NORWICH – The Norwich Band Parent Association (BPA) is shaking up its fundraising efforts this year with its first-ever dance, Chinese auction and bake sale, to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Norwich VFW, 61-63 East Main Street.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the NHS Purple Tornado Marching Band and the BPA, said BPA co-president Jason Miller, in the form of new equipment, transportation and BPA operating costs and funding for a proposed trip to Washington, D.C. in April.
Local businesses donated a wide variety of items for the Chinese auction, added Miller, and community support for the band remains at a high level.
“The local community has always been very gracious with its support for the band and we’re completely humbled by that,” stated Miller. “Whether it’s a parade or a field show, the community is always very appreciative.”
Entertainment at the fundraiser and dance will be provided by local classic and modern rock ensemble My New Obsession, whose guitarist and lead singer have their own, personal connection to the NHS Marching Band.
For more than ten seasons, between 1992 and 2008, My New Obsession lead guitarist Marc Funaro instructed the auxiliary percussion section of the band, not to mention four years of participation with the drum line on quads as a high school student.
“Personally, for me, the band played a huge role in my high school experience and had a major influence on my level of perfectionism,” said Funaro. “It had a direct impact on how much I demand of myself and those with whom I make music with.”
On the other side of the equation, stated Funaro, he and fiancee Connie Silverbrand – also the lead singer with My New Obsession – as band parents, have long recognized just how worthwhile the marching band is.
“To create well-rounded students and give them that positive attitude is everything. As we all know, nobody sits on the bench in marching band,” he added.
Ruth Richards, the BPA’s second co-president, said while all the organization’s fundraisers are important, she and her fellow band parents are excited to see how the event turns out.
“The funds raised by the BPA are vital to the band and it’s important to note that we’re not affiliated with the high school,” stated Richards. “It’s more personal for us because these are our kids out there.”
Richards and Miller both praised fundraising chairperson Janine Carpenter for her hard work and dedication in this, her last year as a band parent. Richards, in particular, said Carpenter had done an “amazing job this year,” and was fundamental in planning the event.
While fundraising has been difficult at times due to the economy, said Carpenter, the community at large has been extremely generous.
“We’re so fortunate that they’re willing to help us and the band is going to need more of that in the future,” she added.
As for the marching band itself, Miller said they may be young, but they’re talented, and they work very hard.
“Marching band is the largest team sport there is and all of these kids are such great people,” stated Miller. “Helping them has been so rewarding and it’s something that I never envisioned.”
Richards concurred and said it “never ceases to amaze her how much effort these kids put in.”
The BPA is asking for a $5 donation at the door for Saturday’s fundraiser. For more information contact Miller at 373-0033 or Richards at 336-7582.