Board could boost CHS band

PALMER — The Colony High School marching band could receive the remainder of funding necessary to get its musicians to President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration from the Mat-Su Borough School District.

The decision will be made Monday during a special meeting of the Mat-Su Borough School Board.

School Board President Jim Colver said he called the meeting in an attempt to send the band on a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The Colony High School marching band — the only marching band in the state — received an invitation to play in the Jan. 20 inaugural parade in Washington, D.C.

The band is stoked to go, director Jamin Burton said, but there’s just one problem. Taking an entire high school marching band more than 4,000 miles to the nation’s capital isn’t cheap. The total price tag comes in at around $80,000.

So far, the band has received $20,000 from parents and community members, and has raised a total of about $55,000 through “just about every type of fundraising you could do,” Burton said.

Since the invitation, however, travel rates have gone up and the band needs an additional $25,000.

That’s where the school board comes in. According to a tentative agenda for its Monday meeting, the board will look into appropriating funds for the band’s travel.

If the money is approved and the band gets the green light to mark time to Washington, D.C., the group will be part of a select few that make it to the big show.

In a recent letter to the band, Inaugural Parade President Peter Gage says, “We had a record number of applicants, so your selection is a testament to your organization’s talent and enthusiasm. Your participation will help make this inauguration truly historic.”

The school board meeting is open to the public and will take place at 6 p.m. at the school district’s administration building, at 501 N. Gulkana St., Palmer.

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