HUNTSVILLE, Ala — As any parent of a high school student will tell you, an extracurricular activity is a major investment - both in time and in money.
The figures on Huntsville High School Band's website are telling: A fee is assessed of between $375 and $850 per student, depending on whether they participate the full year and what role in the band they perform. That money will go towards things like essential maintenance on instruments and uniforms for the 160-member marching band.
Add in travel expenses and accommodations for things like special concerts, invitationals, competitions, and investments in new equipment, and the per-student cost easily soars into the thousands of dollars. And there's more than just the marching band - there are concert ensembles as well.
This winter, the HHS marching band will be heading out to the pinnacle event of the school year: the London New Year's Day Parade, which brings 8,000 performers from around the world, and which will be aired stateside on PBS.
To that end, the band's fundraising efforts are ramping up - and there are many ways you can pitch in to ensure the students, directors and chaperones have an enjoyable journey.
Between annual events like a mattress sale and concession sales at Von Braun Center events, you can chip in on an ongoing basis by connecting your MyPublix account to the Huntsville High School Band fundraising effort - a portion of your spend will be contributed to the band.
The band also accepts digital payments through Venmo. Their username is @HuntsvilleHS-BandParentAssoc
If you prefer to mail in a contribution, you can mail a check or money order payable to HHS BPA to 6585 Hwy 431 S. Suite E, #466, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
There are certain sponsorship levels for larger organizations and businesses who want to support the band. Representative for the band say there is an opportunity to place a sponsor logo on the banner that will accompany the performers on the streets of London in 2024.