Endurance will be a key for Buchanan High School and Middle School band students, who have accepted a challenge to play for 10 consecutive hours to earn money for a trip to Florida and a spot in a Disney World parade in November.
Students will play from 2 p.m. to midnight Feb. 17 in the Buchanan High School auditorium. Approximately 65 to 70 students in the eighth through 12th grade are expected to participate in the “Play-A-Thon.” The public is welcome to attend the event. People who make a donation, will have the chance to direct the band for a song of their choice. Students will also perform multiple solos.
It has been 10 years since Buchanan High School and Middle School band students had the opportunity to travel and perform, said band director Mark Hollandsworth. Hollandsworth wanted to come up with a creative way to help students raise money.
Students started collecting pledges last week. The funds will cover a five-day trip to Florida in November.
In addition to being part of the parade, students have the chance to participate in a music workshop called, “You’re Instrumental.” Outside of performing and learning about music, they will have the chance to hit some of the rides and explore Disney World.
“I think the performance itself at Disney is a world-class opportunity,” Hollandsworth said. “I have taken bands there on multiple occasions. These kids will have a performance of a lifetime to remember.”
Since announcing the pledge, Hollandsworth has been busy stuffing folders with enough sheet music to fill 10 hours. On the playlist are several pop tunes, musical numbers and some Beethoven.
“We are trying to keep it kind of light,” Hollandsworth said.
While it will not be easy to earn, Hollandsworth said the trip could be a once-in-a lifetime experience for students. He said it was exciting to give them a unique challenge like this.
The cost for each student to travel to Florida is about $1,100. Pledges are made to individual students and applied to their account.
Some students will also be eligible to receive scholarship funds for the trip.
Having the opportunity to travel with the band is motivating to students, Hollandsworth said. It also encourages younger musicians in band programs to stick around for travel opportunities.
“Our band program is on an upward trajectory,” Hollandsworth said. “The students would certainly feed off of playing for a wide audience. People are donating knowing that it is going towards a good cause.”
Those interested in making a donation may also contact either Buchanan High School or Middle School to make a donation.