Mark historic time

PALMER — They have an opportunity to play in what might be the biggest event of 2009. Now, all they need is the money to get there.

Colony High School’s band recently received an invitation to play at the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. It’s still $60,000 short of the funds needed to make the trip and performance.

Band Director Jamine Burton, sitting in an empty band room Wednesday, said he and his band members are waiting for an official approval to go to the inauguration. That’s up to President-elect Barack Obama, Burton said.

In the meantime, Burton has been lobbying area businesses, chambers of commerce and even state government, which told him good luck, but no money.

Whether you were an Obama supporter or not, the chance to participate in the Inaugural Parade is significant. It also isn’t cheap to send an entire high school band, teachers, chaperones, musical instruments and pay for the other details that goes with traveling en masse from Alaska to the nation’s capital.

Regular travelers often have to pay $15 to check just one bag these days. Imagine the costs of shipping a gaggle of trombones, trumpets, drums and other instruments, not to mention the luggage for 51 band members.

The problem Burton and his band are facing now is the deadline to commit to being a part of the parade is Dec. 5.  If the school doesn’t raise the funds by that day, “Then it’s a no go,” Burton said.

That doesn’t leave much time to raise $60,000, which is what’s left to get after the band got $20,000 from parents and community members.

As the date gets closer, Burton is getting more nervous.

The trip, which would be one of many the Colony band has taken, would be the first time an Alaska marching band has played in an Inaugural Parade since Jimmy Carter was president.

Colony High School is the only high school marching band in the state now. That means it would solely represent Alaska. Official estimates are for nearly 4 million people to show up for the inauguration Jan. 20.

“It’s an honor being considered and accepted,” Burton said.

The band does have a long résumé of cross country gigs, including Pearl Harbor, Ellis Island and Washington, among others.

In 2010, the band plans to play the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

That trip’s already in the works and Burton said he has plenty of time to plan.

The Inaugural Parade, however, is under tight government deadlines, not leaving much time to do the typical fundraising and get the word out.

Over the next week, Burton is looking for help.

He’s already set up an account at all Wells Fargo banks that will accept donations. The name on the account is Knights Music Boosters. Donations can be sent to the school also, and anyone with questions can contact Burton at 841-5500, Colony’s main number.

Public schools are non-partisan establishments, and Burton said it’s not about who’s being inaugurated as much as the significance of the ceremony. It would be a time for Colony’s band to show its stuff, he said.

“This is a very historic election,” Burton said. “There’s going to be a lot of people watching.”

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.

Donations can be sent to the school at:

Colony High School

Attn: Knights Music Boosters

9550 E. Colony Schools Dr.

Palmer, AK 99645.