THE GOSHEN NEWS
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The Goshen community can help the Goshen High School Crimson Marching Band by simply surfing the Web.
The band is entered in the Pepsi Refresh Grant program and is seeking $25,000. Money is something the band really needs this year. Usually the Band Boosters, comprised mostly of parents, hold fundraisers to fund the band’s marching season, the winter percussion group, the winter guard team, the jazz band and two symphonic bands. Each of these groups compete in seasonal events and travel the state to perform before judges. Goshen often fields state finalists and state winners. The GHS music program is a jewel in the community’s crown.
But this year the band boosters don’t have enough money to fund all of these programs. No, it’s not the economy that has hit the band hard. Instead, a former Band Booster treasurer has been arrested and charged with embezzling at least $10,000. The Band Boosters are still attempting to discover just how much is missing.
In the meantime, the marching band season is coming up fast. The Goshen Invitational will be held on Sept. 11. After that, the Goshen band will be heavy into its competition season, which hopefully will end with an appearance at the state competition at the end of October.
Normally the Band Boosters take care of their own. They work hard all year to support the 170 band members. Also, every band member is required to pay a $225 participation fee. So the Boosters don’t usually ask for help. This year is unusual because the Boosters, and the band members, are victims of a crime.
It is easy to help the band. Internet users can go to www.refresheverything.com to vote for the Goshen Crimson Marching Band. Pepsi has $1.3 million available for grants from $5,000 to $50,000 and hundreds of organizations and groups are seeking the grants. Every vote will help in this highly competitive process. So, support the band and visit the website and vote.
