VIDEO: Top Rated High School Marching Band Needs New Uniforms

PONTOTOC, MISS. (WCBI) – Every year extracurricular clubs, sports teams and other organizations in public schools compete for limited funds.

While athletic programs often get a lot of attention, and dollars, at  one school the marching band recently came away with top honors at a statewide contest, but they’re in dire need of new band uniforms.

Members of the Pontotoc High School Warrior Marching Band are rehearsing for Friday’s Veteran’s Day Parade.

When they take part in the city wide celebration, band members will be wearing uniforms that are fifteen years old.

“The first season these were worn was fall of 2003 and that was my sister’s senior year,” said Sarah Todd.

Todd is director of the Warrior Marching Band which took top honors among 4A schools at the statewide competition this past weekend. The band has 145 members, which is larger than most bands in the 4A division. The uniforms show wear and tear through the years, split seams, dented buttons and worn stitching.

New uniforms for the entire band will cost about $80,000.

“When you have that many in the band it’s difficult. Those uniforms are about 400 dollars apiece, new, and it’s difficult. Especially for a school our size and a community our size to support purchasing those uniforms,” Todd said.

Without a doubt, $80,000 is a lot of money, but with the recent state championship under their belt, members of the Pontotoc High School Warrior Marching Band are confident the public will step up and help them finally retire those old uniforms.

“For us to be doing as well as we are with uniforms we have, to me, is a shame, but we’re just working with what we have right now,” said Head Drum Major, Logan Chunn.

“A lot of sweat is put into those uniforms. 15 years worth of sweat. They get cleaned once a year, so it can be pretty nasty,” said Jace Martin, who plays alto saxophone.

The Warrior Band has several fundraisers planned along with community concerts to help get the word out about the need for new outfits.

Pontotoc competed against 16 other bands in class 4A.

For more information, you can go to the Pontotoc High School Warrior Marching Band page at http://phswbb.wordpress.com. 

You can also mail donations to Pontotoc High School,  123 N Main St., Pontotoc, MS  38863.  Make checks out to PHS Band Boosters.