Purchase New Drums For The Aliquippa Alumni Band!

Hi! My name is Denise Drabeck and I'm fundraising to buy new drums for the Aliquippa Alumni Band.

 

As many of you know, the Music Program (both choir and band) was eliminated for the 2021 - 2022 academic year. This unfortunately left 5 existing band students with no band to play with, and left the Aliquippa Quips Football Team with no band to play at the games. Under the leadership of Beaver County Symphonic Wind Ensemble Director and Aliquippa Alumni Kevin Newton, the Aliquippa Alumni Band was formed by Alumni and community members (of which I was one!) volunteering their time to create a band which played along with the 5 students at football games, parades, and pep rallies this past season on the journey to the PIAA 4A Championship! The band was embraced and supported by the football team and the community. Everyone agrees, it's not a football game without the band!

 

 

 

 

When existing equipment was evaluated at the beginning of this past season, it was found that the Marching Drums were deteriorating rapidly. Snare drums are missing heads and parts that were used to repair other drums. A set of tenor drums starts to fall apart shortly after starting to be played. Bass drum rims are cracking, making them impossible to tune. Drum carriers are worn and bent, causing the drums to fall off or cause a significant physical burden to the drummers (drums are HEAVY!!!). Even with these challenges, the band made the best of it and provided entertainment and support for the team and the crowd which was enjoyed by all!

 

 

The deterioration of the drums is not due to mishandling or neglect. Purchased in 2006, the typical lifespan for Marching Band Drums is 15 "regular" seasons. We all know there is nothing "regular" about these football seasons!! When drums are used in freezing cold playoff weather, exposed to winter elements, it accelerates the deterioration. In essence, these drums were well-used in their lifespan for the past 15 years.

 

 

 

 

 

My goal is to raise $22,000 purchase 5 Snare Drums, 2 sets of Tenor Drums, 5 Bass Drums, new carriers, new stands, new cases, drum covers, drum heads, and drum sticks. The new carriers are designed to prevent injuries to the back and spine, and well as promote good playing and marching posture. The covers will help protect the drums from the elements when outdoors lengthening their life span. The new stands are designed specifically for stadiums which will prevent us from laying the basses down on their sides which damages the rims. Overall, with proper maintenance, these drums will last about 15-20 years. We are looking to purchase the full set of drums with the intention to donate once the band program rebuilds. 

 

 

 

The quality Pearl brand equipment will be purchased at Volkwein's, a Pittsburgh-based music company who will also assemble, deliver, and service the drum equipment. Because of a 6-month order time, as well as locking in the current price (I don't need to tell you how quickly prices are escalating), the goal is to raise the money and place the order by the end of February. This will enable the new drum-line equipment to arrive in time for the 2022 Football Season, where the Aliquippa Alumni Band will again join with any existing students who want to play with us to root the football team on to their next VICTORY!!!

 

WILL YOU HELP US???? WE WOULD BE SO GRATEFUL!!! THANK YOU!!!