Our 35-year old tubas are held together with duct tape, polish and love! We have five tubas (sousaphones) and next year we will have SEVEN tuba players. Our need for new instruments is undeniable. Marching sousaphones average $11,000 each. The bill for seven new horns, tops $70,000. We have reached the point where our “find a way” spirit needs a financial infusion. Our band is 100% self-funded and we fundraise with a fierce dedication, but those funds go towards music, instrument repair, transportation, uniform cleaning, etc. – the unglamorous stuff that gets our big band through a day. Our tubas are a testament to the care given them by our students. We estimate that more than 300+ East Limestone Band Students have played these horns over the last three decades. Our commitment to you is to use any dollars you donate to make awesome, wonderful, joyful music for years to come! Thank you!
The East Limestone High School Marching Band, Athens AL, November 7, 2017 -- The East Limestone Marching Indian band trailer has been recovered with our instrument inventory intact. The truck pulling the trailer sustained major damage and the band’s newly purchased generator valued at just under $2,000 was stolen. Our intention is to use the funds donated to replace the generator, make the minor repairs necessary to the trailer, and cover the costs incurred with having the trailer stolen including impound fees, travel miles, etc. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from our local community, and communities across the country. We know that it was the overwhelming support of our media, and all of you who shared, liked, posted and helped us spread the word that resulted in the return of our trailer and equipment. It is no surprise that it was former band parent, who noticed a band trailer in a place that it should not have been and acted so swiftly and generously. Mr. Larry Calhoun, of Pinson Valley, and all of those who helped broadcast our story, saved our band. We can never express the depth of our gratitude. Go Band! Stronger Together! If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Janzen at, [email protected]
The East Limestone High School Marching Band, Athens AL -- On November 5, 2017 in the early hours, our 24' equipment trailer loaded with all of our instruments, sound equipment and uniform supplies valued at $225K, was stolen from the Embassy Suites Hotel in Birmingham, AL. The theft occurred only hours after the band swept the awards, winning Best in Show, at the West Alabama Marching Competition in Gordo, AL. While the instruments do not make our band -- the loss is devastating to our program. We need your help. We pledge to make music with every dollar you donate to help us rebuild. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your generosity.