'Band on the run' - Marching Panthers prepare for D.C. trip
Posted on Friday, January 2, 2009
SILOAM SPRINGS - The Dec. 8 announcement that the Siloam Springs High School Band had been invited to perform in the 56th Inaugural Parade sent school officials into a frenzy of planning, finding funding and organizing students.
An original goal of $75,000 was set to be raised before the band, teachers and chaperones depart Jan. 18. The funds were requested to cover transportation, lodging, 10 meals for students, equipment repair and winterizing supplies for uniforms.
The fundraising has slowed down somewhat in the past week. The majority of the financial goal has been met, and between $5,000 and $6,000 remains to be collected, said Keith Rutledge, director of the ninth- to 12th-grade band.
"We've received some very generous donations, and we're definitely thankful for all of them," Rutledge said. "This wouldn't have been possible without all of the support that our band received."
On a daily basis since the announcement was made, Rutledge has found checks from private citizens and businesses waiting for him in his school mailbox. The donations - ranging from $5 to more than $100 - have helped the band department make its trip to Washington, D.C., a reality, he said.
A contribution of $25,000 from the Wal-Mart Foundation, in addition to money that was left in the band's account from a previous Wal-Mart donation, is listed among the many donations.
"We approached them, and they were very receptive and seemed happy to contribute," Rutledge said. "All of the extra donations have allowed us to prepare the band physically, as well as visually."
Booster clubs from across the state have also added to the growing fund.
Of the nearly 1,400 groups that applied to participate in the parade, only 60, including the local high school band, were invited to attend, Rutledge said.
More than 10,000 people will participate in the parade.
"We'll be very close to the end of the parade," Rutledge said. "I'm guessing we will be two or more hours into it."
Accompanied by four band directors, two of their spouses, an administrator, a small handful of teachers and eight parent chaperones, 146 members of the Siloam Springs band will make the trip and march in the parade.
The band, led by a military escort, will have exactly 25 minutes to complete the parade route, which is calculated to be just less than 1 1/2 half miles.
"It's the military, so you expect it to be this way," Rutledge said. "They're very specific with the rules. They don't want any ripples in the parade."
In comparison, in 2005, when the band participated in a 2 1/2 mile parade in Hollywood, they were given 80 minutes to complete the route.
"This will be considerably faster than even Hollywood was," Rutledge said. "When they say 'move,' we're going to start and not stop until it's done."
Immediately following the holiday break from school, the group will launch into a rigorous practice schedule.
"This will be a pretty big physical feat for many of our kids, and I'm going to do everything I can to have them ready," Rutledge said. "As soon as they come back, I'm going to have them doing some track work. We've got to condition to be in shape for this."
For more information, or to find out how to make donations to the band, visit the band's Web site at www.sssd.k12.ar.us/ band.
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