Caverna kicks off band season

By GINA KINSLOW
Glasgow Daily Times

CAVE CITY September 05, 2008 06:38 pm

— On Saturday nine high school marching bands from across the state will gather at Caverna High School for the school’s annual marching band contest.
The contest will start with an opening ceremony at 4:45 p.m., with the first band performing at 5 p.m.
The school hosts a marching band contest as a way to raise money.
“It’s our major fundraiser for our band program,” said Robbie Fudge, band director.
The contest generates between $10,000 and $15,000. The money is used to purchase fuel, equipment and music, as well as to help cover band camp expenditures, dry-cleaning of band uniforms, materials and props for the band’s show, music arranging, drill design and transportation costs.
Schools competing in the contest are: Class AA — Metcalfe, Monroe and Edmonson county and Glasgow Independent; Class AAA — Adair County and Warren East; Class AAAA — Hopkins County Central; and Class AAAAA — Central Hardin and Meade County.
Caverna’s band is set to perform at 8 p.m., with the awards ceremony to follow at 8:30 p.m.
Organizing such an event is no small feat.
Fudge said it takes all 45 members of the band’s booster organization, as well as some help from alumni who volunteer to lend a hand.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s all for a good cause,” he said.
Not only do the volunteers help put the event together, they also clean up afterward, he said.
The event also helps to stimulate the area economy.
“It’s always helped (the economy) to a certain degree,” said Cave City Mayor Bob Hunt.
Those who turn out for the band contest, whether competing or to support a friend or family member, often dine at Cave City restaurants and shop at Cave City businesses, he said.
There are 22 students in Caverna’s band, ranging from eighth to 12th grade.
The band contest is the first opportunity the students will have to perform in front of a large audience what they’ve learned over the summer, Fudge said.
“It’s probably the most people they’ve ever performed in front of,” he said.
Admission to the event is $5 per person.
Concessions will be available.

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.