2015-11-24 OBMS Band Boostes Instrument RequestOBMS Band Boosters Instrument Request November 5, 2015
Contacts: Otte Band Boosters Co -Chairs
Jeene Hobbs, 402.616.6936, 2018 Grant Street, Blair, NE 68008
Cece Tonn, 402.426.4591, 201 Arthur Street, Blair, NE 68008
"Here comes the band!" Hearing a marching band come down the street stirs the
soul. Participating in band teaches discipline, teamwork, mental agility, and
provides lasting memories for students and their parents. Our Otte Blair Middle
School (OBMS) band marches in the Gateway of the West parade, the Homecoming
parade, and represents Washington County at the Applejack parade in Nebraska
City and at Adventureland near Des Moines, Iowa.
Blair Community Schools provides an instrumental music program for grades 5-12.
At DBMS, 150 students participate in marching band and in 7th and 8th grade concert
bands. This is approximately 40% of the student body. Another 100 students
participate in 6th grade band which is 50% of the student body.
OBMS Band Boosters provide support to the Middle School band program and
instructors. Even well taken care of instruments and equipment eventually wear
out. Due to budget constraints, purchasing new instruments within the current
school funding is not a possibility. Chiyo Trauernicht, our band director has
identified the following instruments in critical need of replacement:
1. Marching Equipment (Total Cost $5154)
a. This is for replacement of 20+ year old marching band drums. Most of
the drums have cracks and splits on them.
b. Yamaha 13" Snare Drum with Carrier ($357) - Six snare drums total.
c. Yamaha Quads with Carrier ($739)
d. Yamada Bass Drum with Carrier (5 different sizes and the prices are
$415, $435, $455, $475, $493)
2. Bassoon ($4950)
a. This is for an additional bassoon for 7th grade use. Currently, the
middle school band only owns one bassoon. Each year, we have to
borrow one from the high school. Bassoon is a very important
instrument in band. If we add one bassoon player each year starting in
7th grade, we need one more bassoon at the middle school level.
b. Fox Renard Model 51 $4950
3. Baritone Saxophone ($4226)
a. This is for an additional baritone saxophone for 6th grade use.
Currently, the middle school band owns four baritone saxophones.
Two of those four are a model that the manufacturer does not make
anymore because of poor quality. These instruments constantly break
and we spend over $500 per instrument each year for repairs. We
need a third saxophone in working condition for 6th grade band.
b. Jupiter 593 GL Model $4226
4. Tuba ($2865)
a. This is for replacement of 20+ year-old tubas. Currently middle school
band students share seven instruments among 12 students. Four out
of the seven tubas are over 20 years old with more wear and tear each
year. We would like to replace these instruments.
b. Jupiter 378L $2865
Total: $17,195
These instruments are vital to a band experience. Our bands have received high
marks at various competitions and we want to continue that standard of excellence.
These instruments will make a significant difference by allowing more students to
participate this year and for many years to come.
Our request of the City of Blair Keno Funds is $5,000. We are seeking funds from a
variety of entities to make these purchases and likely our purchases will occur over
time. We intend to purchase instruments in the order listed as funds are available.
Our hope is to have drums purchased before marching band in the spring.
Otte Band Boosters annual proceeds from t -shirt sales and concessions are
approximately $2,000. About $1,000 annually supports programs and travel costs.
We will contribute $1000 towards the final goal of $17,195. We also will make
direct appeals at the upcoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade band concerts.
In July of 2004, Keno funds of $7,000 helped purchase tubas. According to Jeff
Mount, High School Band Director, about 5 tubas were purchased. The total cost of
their project was $26,400.
Please let us know if you need any further information. We will look forward to a
positive reply.
Thank you, /
l
Cece Tonn
Co -Chair Otte Band Boosters
qJeene Hobbs
Co -Chair Otte Band Boosters