What has been the most challenging part of starting up a new band?
All of it. Recruiting, providing instruments, uniforms, a facility to rehearse in and finding a competent staff that would be willing to donate their time. Nothing of any use remained from the former marching band. We took on the challenge of recruiting band members over the summer, attending all the freshman orientations and contacting everyone who had played in the pep band the year before. We borrowed many of the instruments traditionally used by a marching band. Uniforms started off on the right track and then took a detour because of finances. The shirts and hats we wear are temporary until a suitable design is completed. The John R. Oishei Foundation got right on the band wagon and made a donation of $50,000 for uniforms. This support meant so much, it was the boost that we needed to know that the community was as excited as the students about the return of the marching band. Calatto Regal Tip Drum Stick Manufacturer from Niagara Falls was the next sponsor to get involved, supply
