By Brenna Wiegand
A uniformed marching band for the first Silverton High Fox football game of 2015? The clock is ticking, and the answer is not assured.
Silverton High School Marching Band leader Frank Petrik says now’s the time for the community to step up if it wants to see the band members properly attired.
The school last purchased marching band uniforms in 1980; they were discarded years back.
Now, Petrik said, it’s up to the community to show its support and help complete the drive to properly outfit band students.
“The district does not have a budget in regard to the marching band,” Petrik said.
“It has not officially been a marching band since 1991. The band has been wearing T-shirts and jeans.”
Petrik is counting on the community to help band members reach the fundraising goal. He is encouraging parents, alumni, music lovers, football fans and businesses to sponsor a uniform.
“The kids have gone door to door and to community events like First Friday,” Petrik said.
“The community has fallen into step, providing funds for 50 of the 80 uniforms needed.”
Silverton High band uniforms by April 1
How to help: Donations, administered
through Silver Fox Foundation are tax deductible.A donation form may be found at:
the Silverton Band website.
Information: Frank Petrik:
[email protected]
or 503-873-6331 ext. 3760
Uniform sponsors will have the
name of their business sewn into a
garment’s inside pocket, a banner
displayed at home football games and
local parades, recognition on the
sponsorship website and their names
on the fall band T-shirts.
But the clock is running out. In order to be ready for the first football game all the uniforms should be ordered by April 1.
Specially constructed for marching bands and made to last 15 to 20 years, each uniform costs $350. Band members still need to raise $10,500.
During the year the band has been able to modify design components, fine tuning the look to a contemporary design everybody’s excited about, Petrik said.
He added the students are excited about wearing actual band uniforms. He said it will make a difference when the band plays at football games and community parades. The group would also welcome donations for instruments.
