Local School Bands Highlight Fundraising Needs for Instrument and Equipment Repairs

Washington County, MD News (4/22/2024) – Local efforts to support music education in Washington County schools are gaining momentum as community members rally behind fundraising initiatives aimed at providing much-needed resources for student musicians, including Smithsburg High School and Springfield Middle School.

Landon Grove, the newly appointed librarian at Smithsburg High School and a proud alumni of the institution, has joined forces with the school’s Band Director and Band Boosters to address the pressing issue of aging instruments and worn-out equipment. With instruments dating back as far as 40 years and in dire need of repair, the band program at Smithsburg High finds itself limited by the availability of properly functioning instruments and equipment in its mission of providing quality musical education to its approximately 50 student participants.

In an effort to secure funding for instrument replacements and repairs, the band has set a fundraising goal of $45,000. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, including notable contributions from Young Ventures, LLC, Hadley Farms, Ellsworth Electric, and DBB Printer Services, the campaign has already raised $11,000 since its launch over the Christmas break.

Zamostny highlights the critical need for instrument repairs, emphasizing that neglect has led to instruments being “thrown in the corner and never repaired.” Grove acknowledges the challenges posed by the impending retirement of key individuals responsible for instrument maintenance, underscoring the urgency of the fundraising efforts to ensure the continuity of music education at Smithsburg High.

To further support the fundraising campaign, donations can be made through Square, offering a convenient avenue for community members to contribute to the cause. Donations can also be mailed to 66 North Main Street Smithsburg, MD 21783 and addressed to “Band Boosters of Smithsburg Area Schools”.

In a parallel effort, the Band Boosters at Springfield Middle School are also seeking community support to raise $10,000 to cover various expenses essential for sustaining the school’s band program. With a yearly expenditure of approximately $13,000, the Springfield Middle School Band relies entirely on booster support to meet the needs of its student musicians.

The breakdown of expenses reveals the diverse range of costs associated with running a comprehensive band program, including transportation to events, purchasing sheet music, instrument repairs, uniform maintenance, and funding for band trips and festivals.

Donations to the Springfield Middle School Band Boosters can be made through an online fundraising platform, providing an opportunity for community members to contribute directly to the enrichment of music education for middle school students.

As both campaigns continue to gather support from local businesses, residents, and alumni, the collective efforts underscore the community’s commitment to ensuring access to quality music education for students across Washington County. Through collaboration and community engagement, these initiatives aim to provide students with the resources they need to pursue their musical passions and thrive in their academic and artistic endeavors.

Story by Ken Buckler, President of RFHC