Sparta

The band program is more than music for our students. For many, it's a sense of community. As students look for a place to belong, they find friendships in the music department with like-minded people who help them step out of their comfort zones and realize their potential. With that in mind, we want our community to know that our Sousaphones (marching tubas), vibraphone and some other instruments that have served us for many years, have reached the end of their useful lives and are simply beyond repair.

It's not every day that someone needs to buy a tuba. The cost to replace a Sousaphone is between $6,095.95 and $9,545.95 each.  We are also looking at replacing the vibraphone which costs between $8,236.95 and $13,320.95. This is not a small investment. To be good stewards of our program, we are going to replace these instruments with quality equipment that will last for many years but not have the highest price tag. We look at this as an investment for the future of our "Spartan Band" program. Our "Spartan Pride" shows as we participate in area festivals, parades, community events, and sporting events throughout the year.   

You may ask yourself, what is the difference between a tuba and a sousaphone?  They are very similar, but the sousaphone's circular shape rests on the shoulder of a marcher, making it far more portable than a tuba. The Sparta Band is looking to replace the three sousaphones they currently have. “What's the difference between a xylophone, a vibraphone,?” ... Vibraphones have bars made of metal rather than wood, and thus the bars on a vibraphone sustain far longer than those on a  xylophone; this is why vibraphones have a damper pedal (similar in function to the damper pedal on a piano).

When we look at the instruments that need to be replaced this year and next, we are hoping to raise between $22,549.59 and $31,133.59. This amount would allow us to replace the three sousaphones and one vibraphone that have been duct taped, super glued and rigged to make work. Could they continue on this path? Yes, but not for long, and students cannot be as successful on these instruments the way they are. We are simply looking to replace the equipment we need to give our students the best chance for success and continue providing service to the community and surrounding area.  

We have teamed up with 3 local businesses for this campaign. Thrivent Financial, 1st Community Credit Union and SSE Music have agreed to help us by letting people in our community hear what we are trying to accomplish. Their donations will be paying for a combination TV and Social Media campaign. Some people may ask, why don't they just take that money and put it towards the replacement of the equipment? The answer to that question is the same for this campaign as it is with any other worthwhile fundraising program.  They are taking a little money and trying to turn it into more money by spreading the word in the community in a way that compounds and multiplies what they could do themselves.  They saw a need and stepped up to help make something happen. 

We would like to thank each of these businesses along with the many people who are involved in the support of this program. They are the unsung heroes that help students participate in something inspiring with a group of talented young musicians.  To all of them and you, we give a simple but heartfelt THANK YOU!