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Fairview High band thankful for community donations to purchase new instruments




Fairview High School band members (l-r) Emily Lester, Laine Russell, Parker Hughes and Emma Noseworthy display some of the new instruments purchased thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses in the Fairview community. SUBMITTED

Fairview High School band members (l-r) Emily Lester, Laine Russell, Parker Hughes and Emma Noseworthy display some of the new instruments purchased thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses in the Fairview community. SUBMITTED

The Fairview High School Sound ‘O Gold Marching Band is celebrating the season of Thanksgiving in a big way after the community stepped up to help fund the purchase of new instruments.

“Because of the generosity of the Fairview Community, the Fairview High School Band recently purchased several new instruments, replacing the inventory of instruments that are 50-plus years old and no longer functional,” said Fairview High School Band Director Mark Kinzer.

The fundraiser began when Conn-Selmer, a leading manufacturer and distributor of musical instruments for students, offered Fairview High School a “COVID-19 Stimulus Package” that would allow the band to purchase instruments valued at $41,000 for the reduced price of $12,000. However, there was a slight hitch – the band had 14 days to raise the money!

With the band losing all of their spring fundraisers due to COVID, they reached out to the community with a flash fundraising idea. They needed 120 individuals to give $100 each to reach their goal.

Once the idea began circulating through the community, the donations started rolling in – quickly. They were halfway to their goal within the first week, and with the help of generous individuals and local businesses, they were able to reach their goal in time.

Kinzer was overwhelmed by the community’s response to the band’s fundraising efforts. “The funds also begin to provide instruments our students need to perform, achieve the highest levels of performance excellence, and compete with other students across the nation for scholarships,” added Kinzer.

He added, “The Fairview band students deserve the same resources and opportunities as programs across the U.S. The community’s support is making this possible.”

In recent weeks, the new instruments have been arriving in shipments, and it’s a lot like an early Christmas for the band members. The funds have allowed for the purchase of marimbas, a double French horn, a tenor saxophone, a baritone saxophone, an oboe, a piccolo, an alto flute, a bass flute, and a bass trombone.

Director Kinzer said, “During COVID-19, the community continues to be a positive light for these students. Band rehearsals, classes and performances look much differently, but we are continuing to create opportunities for students. Thank you for being a supportive community, a light and beacon of hope to our students.”

And while he is very thankful that Fairview rose to the challenge this fall, Kinzer noted, “We have much to provide and replace at the middle school and high school (for the band students), but with everyone contributing a little, we will succeed.”

The Fairview High School Band members and parents are still raising funds. You can visit their Facebook page “Fairview High School Marching Band” for more information on ways you can help promote and support the music programs offered at Fairview High and Fairview Middle School.

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