Replace/Fix Senators Band Percussion Instruments

The Marching Senators Band “Pride of the Beaches” percussion section is the heartbeat of school spirit.  We all know that the drum line is an integral part of the band during football season but the program doesn't stop there. Percussion is a year-round program that includes marching season in the fall, Indoor Percussion in the winter, and concert season in the spring. Last year, they were the only band from our school district to compete at the state level in marching and Indoor Percussion... and their Indoor Percussion Ensemble was 2nd in the state!

They do great things with what they have. But, the current instruments and equipment needs repair or replacement (think tape, zip ties, broken keys, and taking turns because there aren’t enough instruments to go around). The school budget doesn’t include funding for band instruments. Most of the band’s budget comes through parent and community support. We can’t do this without you!

Can you spare $10, $20, $50 to help? This is a big goal but every dollar counts!

(this is the snare stand)

This dedicated group of students is committed to raising money and they are out there playing for donations, selling chocolate bars, soliciting business sponsors, holding car washes... you name it, they’re doing it! They’re fundraising between regular school hours, homework, jobs, performances, and 10+ hours of rehearsal each week.

They’ve raised about $1500 already! But car washes and candy bars are not going to be enough.

 (performing to raise money at Publix) 

An investment now will serve the students in the band program for years to come.  The immediate needs are:

A new 4.3 octave marimba with synthetic keys and a field frame. The current instrument is a 15-year old donated marimba that's intended to be kept indoors. The keys kick up when it's played and the broken frame is beyond repair. ($4200 by itself)

New harnesses, straps, and slips for the drums. The current harnesses are being held together primarily by tape. ($3000)

Cymbals so that there are enough for all the students to play. The kids are currently taking turns with the cymbals in the drum line. And, most of the front ensemble is playing "air cymbals" in the music because they simply don't have the needed instruments. ($3600)

And the gear (sound equipment, racks, arms, etc) that make all those things functional. (all together $4880)

(harnesses held together with tape)

We’re asking for support from the community.

Have you ever attended a Senator home game or pep rally and danced along to the drum line?

Have you enjoyed these amazing kids when they march in the Opening of the Beaches parade or the Homecoming parade?

Are you an alum and want to show your school spirit?

Did you love being in the marching band in high school and you want to support music and arts education in schools?

If so, we’re asking for your help. We appreciate every single dollar and 100% of the funds raised will go directly toward instruments and equipment for the Marching Senators Band “Pride of the Beaches.”

Can you spare $10, $20, $50 or more to help this band? It would make such a difference. Thank you for your support!

This fundraiser is organized by a passionate group of band parents and is not sponsored or endorsed by DCPS. 100% of the funds
raised will be donated directly to the band so that they can purchase needed instruments and equipment. 

Finally, if you know of people who want to help the band but they’re uncomfortable donating online, there’s an option to send a check directly to the band boosters. It helps the treasurer if you add a note or memo saying what the donation is for. Here’s the address: FHS Band Boosters c/o Randy Salinas 700 Seagate Drive Neptune Beach, FL 32266

Thank you!

(drum harnesses used by the battery)

(broken equipment)

(dedicated kids rehearsing before an indoor percussion event)

(cymbals that need to be replaced)

(percussion section after earning superior ratings at last year's marching MPA)