The Anza Community Hall hosted a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to benefit the Hamilton High School Band and Color Guard’s 2023 Music Leadership Camp trip to Troy University in Alabama later this year. For a donation of $15, guests received a hearty spaghetti dinner with garlic bread, salad, dessert and a beverage in the spacious Hall Friday, March 24.
Friends and neighbors, parents, staff and students came together for great food, lively socializing and performances by the band members themselves, while contributing to a great cause.
A silent auction for donated items and gift baskets raised additional money for the band. All funds collected go directly to the band for their trip.
“There are a total of 14 students and four chaperones going on the trip,” event organizer KC Neer said. “They have all been working very hard to subsidize the amount due in order to attend.”
Hamilton high and middle school students will be hosting car washes and bake sales to raise money for the once-in-a-lifetime band trip.
The band students will fly to Nashville and explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry. The tour will drive to Memphis to visit Elvis’ birthplace, the Rock and Soul Museum, Human Civil Rights Museum and more. Then the trip will continue to Troy University for Music Leadership Camp and off to New Orleans for the Battlefield New Orleans boat tour. Other events will be determined as the event date approaches.
According to the Troy University website, the Troy Summer Music Camp classes include:
Concert Band campers will play in a concert band throughout the week. Sectionals and masterclasses will be included. Enrollment is open to all instrumental students.
Percussion Ensemble campers will play in an indoor/outdoor drum line throughout the week. Marching fundamentals for percussionists will be included. Enrollment is open to all percussionists.
Majorette campers will focus on individual and group twirling techniques throughout the week. Marching fundamentals for twirlers will be included. Enrollment is open to all twirlers.
Color Guard campers will focus on individual and group techniques using a variety of color guard equipment. Marching fundamentals for color guard will be included. Enrollment is open to all color guard students.
Drum Major campers will focus on conducting, marching fundamentals, vocal commands and leadership techniques. Enrollment is open to all current or future drum majors.
Dance Line campers will focus on individual and ensemble techniques featuring a variety of dance styles. Marching fundamentals for dancers will be included. Enrollment is open to all students interested in dance line.
Camp will conclude with a final performance by all campers in the Trojan Arena.
The cost per student for the trip is $1,400. This includes airfare, transportation, meals, hotels, camp and a few tours.
“As with most students and parents, this amount can seem overwhelming,” Neer said. “That is why we count on community participation. Our very own Pizza Factory has been very helpful with fundraising, allowing us to hold a total of four events. Dairy Queen is also helping by letting us use their parking lot for two scheduled car washes on April 15 and May 6. We have also received donations from the Anza Electric Cooperative, the Lions Club of Anza Valley and the Anza Thimble Club.”
To help these students, consider donating by texting BOBCAT BAND to 202-858-1233 or contact band director Lovina Leon at Hamilton High School at lleon@hemetusd.org. To donate by check, make it payable to Hamilton ASB and be sure to put Band Camp on the memo line. Checks may be mailed to Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Rd., Anza, CA 92539 or dropped by the office in person. All donations are tax deductible.
Be on the lookout for additional local, hands-on fundraisers such as car washes, bake sales and Pizza Factory coupon cards.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
