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Schools

Langley High School Band Fundraiser Saturday

Musicians hope to raise $20,000

On Saturday, dozens of musicians from the Langley High School bands will be canvassing McLean neighborhoods North of Route 123 to raise money for their budget.

The yearly door-to-door event  is the biggest fundraiser for the band each year. The money is used to replace and restore concert instruments and provide specialized training from professional musicians for band students.

Last year, the one-day fundraiser collected $14,000.This year, the goal is $20,000, according to Sylvia Gonzolas Roman, the band association president. The band's yearly budget is $55,000.

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“Being a member of the Langley High School Band gives students a sense of belonging and comradery in an otherwise large high school,” she said. “Being part of a musical organization teaches lifelong skills like discipline, working towards a common goal, both as a group and as an individual, and provides satisfaction that only comes from performing a live art, such as music.”

The 120 musicians, who play instruments from percussion to winds to brass, will be raising money for their three bands – the Symphony Band, the Wind Symphony Band and the marching band.

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In addition to door-to-door visits, musicians will be at three specific retail sites – Kattie’s Coffee in Great Falls from 8-10 am where a few musicians will be performing and at the Safeway in Great Falls and the Safeway on Chain Bridge Road from 4-7 pm.

“We encourage the students to bring instruments for impromptu songs during their door-to-door walk,” said parent Lori Shafran whose daughter plays the flute.

Students will also be handing out a door hanger that gives dates for free concerts.

Last year, the LHS band performed at Lincoln Center in New York City, one of the highlights of the award-winning band’s hard work.

“Band typically attracts some of the brightest and hardest working students. Langley High school is no exception - - our band students excel both in their music and academic pursuits,” Roman said.

Tag Day is being organized by Kelly Grems, Vice President of the Band Association. She is a former middle school band director from Texas. This is her second year organizing tag day.

The Band Association supports the Langley High School instrumental music program by providing funding for band camp instructors, year-round section coach instructors (professional musicians who provide weekly instruction to sections of the band), the instructor for the percussion class and January workshops.  The Band Association also covers the cost of obtaining musical arrangements, band equipment, instruments, and registration for various District band events.  In addition, the Band Association contributes towards some of the costs related to performance tours and provides meals to students during band-related events.

 

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