I posted an update on the American Fork band’s recent successes the other day and indicated that I would follow-up when more information was available. Shortly after I posted, Sara Fulkerson posted the following comment with information on how the band can be supported in their quest to compete next week in the Bands of America Grand National Championships to be held in Indianapolis:
Posted by Sara Fulkerson
November 09, 2009 11:00 PM
As per their website, afbands.org, all donations should to be sent to the Alpine Foundation c/o American Fork High School Marching Band (575 N. 100 E. American Fork, UT 84003) or you can contact Wendy Jones at (801) 400-7482.
It doesn’t look good right now and the band promises to return all funds if they are unable to reach the $250,000 to get to Grand Nationals. I’m sure the students will remain positive, they are such a great group of kids. I’d really like to see them go – especially since many of them (including all four drum majors) are seniors this year.
Apparently the word got out because the band has raised the money and they are on their way.
The band was able to raise $280,000 in about 48 hours from students, parents and the community and at a meeting held last night, the Alpine School Board approved an expedited request for permission allowing the band to make the trip. A semi carrying their equipment will leave for Indiana on Wednesday, and the band and crew will follow by plane on Thursday.
The competition will start with a field of 125 bands and the American Fork band will compete at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. The field will be narrowed to 35 for competition on Saturday morning and then to 12 for the final competition Saturday evening. Please join me in wishing them the best of luck.
