Lori Ware is fundraising
WHHS Marching Band Uniform Fund
The Walnut Hills High School Marching Blue & Gold Band has been known as one of Southwest Ohio’s finest marching bands for many years. Our marching band dates back to the mid 1920’s. Thanks to the support of the Greater Cincinnati community, businesses, and Walnut Hills alumni and families, that tradition continues today with award winning performances, “Superior” contest ratings and 14 straight ‘Superior” ratings at OMEA state finals (ranking us 14th out of 256 bands across Ohio. Many of these bands are much larger than us.).
Our award winning performances have allowed the Marching Blue and Gold the opportunity to be asked not once but twice to represent the United States in International parades. In 2010 the Blue & Gold marched in the London New Year’s Day parade and then in 2016, the Blue & Gold marched down the Champs Elysees in the Paris New Year’s parade.
Our current uniforms are approaching their 13th season of wear. The average life span of a band uniform is 8-10 years. While our uniforms may look fine from a distance, many are beyond repair because of worn fabric, torn and broken zippers and snaps and years of mending and cleaning. Our band is also growing in size and last season we only had 3 uniforms not being worn. Our best estimate is that our current uniforms have performed at over 120 football games and over 84 competitions as well as 2 international parades, numerous local parades, concerts, and other public performances including annual appearances in the Kidney Walk and The Flying Pig marathon. The band also performed on stage in Music Hall as the marching band in “The Music Man” with the Cincinnati Pops. And while “parting is such sweet sorrow,” it is time to replace our uniforms.
Because we will not be receiving any school funding for the uniform replacement, we are turning to our friends for help. We currently have $10,000 in our Uniform Replacement Account and our fundraising efforts continue. However, to ensure delivery by the fall, we must raise the additional $30,000 as soon as possible.
We would love if you could help us continue our tradition of music excellence and consider contributing to the Walnut Hills High School Band Uniform Replacement Fund. All contributions are tax deductible and all donations over $50 will be recognized in our concert programs. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department at [phone redacted].
Each new uniform costs $300 which includes jacket, gauntlets and hat wrap. It will cost approximately $40,000 for us to purchase new uniforms.
Note from Richard Canter, band director:
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage your support of the Walnut Hills Marching Blue & Gold Uniform Fund. It has been my honor and privilege to work as a director for the Marching Band at Walnut Hills for the last three years. The band has qualified for the OMEA State Marching Band finals for the past sixteen years and has received “superior” ratings at state finals for the past fourteen years. In addition, the band has represented their country twice in international parades in London and Paris. It is the dedication and hard work of the students and the support of their parents that have helped to make such quality performances possible. We are now asking you to support these fine young students with your financial contribution.
I would like to thank you in advance for your participation in our Uniform Replacement Campaign and for your continued support of our WHHS music programs.”
Richard Canter, Director,
Walnut Hills Marching Blue & Gold
“As a five year member of the Walnut Hills Marching Blue & Gold, I have seen myself and my peers grow tremendously in regard to character. Yet marching band is not only about acting the part, but looking it too, a fact which has become more difficult as our uniforms continue to age with frequent use. Support the integrity of a program that revolves around strengthening students’ confidence and enhancing their musical ability. Support the marching band.”
Charlie Becher ‘19
“Marching Band has been a monumental part of my growth as a student and a musician. It has taught me discipline, teamwork and leadership. Without it, I would not be where I am today. When I joined the band, I joined a family. The Walnut Hills Marching Band is a family I am proud to be a part of and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the future.”
Ziaire Sherman ‘18
“Marching Band has impacted me tremendously and has given me a family that I could not imagine myself without. This family has done so much for me and they deserve more resources to help them be the best they can be.”
Jaylee Sowders ‘20
Our award winning performances have allowed the Marching Blue and Gold the opportunity to be asked not once but twice to represent the United States in International parades. In 2010 the Blue & Gold marched in the London New Year’s Day parade and then in 2016, the Blue & Gold marched down the Champs Elysees in the Paris New Year’s parade.
Our current uniforms are approaching their 13th season of wear. The average life span of a band uniform is 8-10 years. While our uniforms may look fine from a distance, many are beyond repair because of worn fabric, torn and broken zippers and snaps and years of mending and cleaning. Our band is also growing in size and last season we only had 3 uniforms not being worn. Our best estimate is that our current uniforms have performed at over 120 football games and over 84 competitions as well as 2 international parades, numerous local parades, concerts, and other public performances including annual appearances in the Kidney Walk and The Flying Pig marathon. The band also performed on stage in Music Hall as the marching band in “The Music Man” with the Cincinnati Pops. And while “parting is such sweet sorrow,” it is time to replace our uniforms.
Because we will not be receiving any school funding for the uniform replacement, we are turning to our friends for help. We currently have $10,000 in our Uniform Replacement Account and our fundraising efforts continue. However, to ensure delivery by the fall, we must raise the additional $30,000 as soon as possible.
We would love if you could help us continue our tradition of music excellence and consider contributing to the Walnut Hills High School Band Uniform Replacement Fund. All contributions are tax deductible and all donations over $50 will be recognized in our concert programs. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department at [phone redacted].
Each new uniform costs $300 which includes jacket, gauntlets and hat wrap. It will cost approximately $40,000 for us to purchase new uniforms.
Note from Richard Canter, band director:
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage your support of the Walnut Hills Marching Blue & Gold Uniform Fund. It has been my honor and privilege to work as a director for the Marching Band at Walnut Hills for the last three years. The band has qualified for the OMEA State Marching Band finals for the past sixteen years and has received “superior” ratings at state finals for the past fourteen years. In addition, the band has represented their country twice in international parades in London and Paris. It is the dedication and hard work of the students and the support of their parents that have helped to make such quality performances possible. We are now asking you to support these fine young students with your financial contribution.
I would like to thank you in advance for your participation in our Uniform Replacement Campaign and for your continued support of our WHHS music programs.”
Richard Canter, Director,
Walnut Hills Marching Blue & Gold
“As a five year member of the Walnut Hills Marching Blue & Gold, I have seen myself and my peers grow tremendously in regard to character. Yet marching band is not only about acting the part, but looking it too, a fact which has become more difficult as our uniforms continue to age with frequent use. Support the integrity of a program that revolves around strengthening students’ confidence and enhancing their musical ability. Support the marching band.”
Charlie Becher ‘19
“Marching Band has been a monumental part of my growth as a student and a musician. It has taught me discipline, teamwork and leadership. Without it, I would not be where I am today. When I joined the band, I joined a family. The Walnut Hills Marching Band is a family I am proud to be a part of and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the future.”
Ziaire Sherman ‘18
“Marching Band has impacted me tremendously and has given me a family that I could not imagine myself without. This family has done so much for me and they deserve more resources to help them be the best they can be.”
Jaylee Sowders ‘20
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