Looking good

When Grovetown High School opened in August 2009, students enjoyed the perks of a brand new school.

//

But the marching band members endured one disadvantage of a new school -- no new band uniforms.

The newly formed band booster organization didn't have time to raise funds to outfit the band, which would cost $45,000-$65,000, said band director Brian Toney.

Thanks to the generosity of a Cartersville, Ga., school, band members will march onto the football field in September in matching red, white and blue uniforms.

"It was a real blessing, a gift from God," Toney said.

Officials from the school in Cartersville planned to replace their band uniforms and offered to donate the old ones, which are still in good condition, to Grovetown High. Toney said the boosters made a $1,500 donation to the Cartersville school's band program.

"It was very minimum," Toney said. "We're getting this for 3 percent of what we would have spent."

The uniforms -- navy pants, white jacket and red sash -- are being personalized with Grovetown High School badges and emblems. Though the first game is Friday, Toney said it is too hot for the uniforms, which he plans to debut in September.

"They are a good compromise for a year or two, and the kids feel like they've got uniforms," said Debby Turner, band booster president.

During last year's halftime show, band members wore matching coveralls, which fortunately went well with the show theme "Everyday Heroes."

"The kids were really awesome about it," Turner said.

But the students would have preferred something a little more formal for special performances, including Christmas parades.

Senior drum major Renae Capers is glad to see the coveralls gone.

"It was expected," Capers said. "We were a first-year school. But I'm glad we're getting uniforms this year."

The band boosters will be busy this year raising funds for brand new uniforms.

Turner said the organization runs the guest concession stand during football games. The stand didn't make much profit last year because the football team played mostly away games. She's hoping more home games this year will bring more profits.

The boosters also have a band competition planned for Oct. 23 as well as barbecues, yard sales, auctions and other fundraisers.

"It is tough right now, all around," Toney said. "But they (boosters) are doing a good job with it, with some good ideas."

Toney said he hopes the band will use the donated uniforms for only a year before it is able to purchase new ones, which will cost $300 to $450 each.

"We're going to be fundraising like crazy," Turner said. "I would like to see uniforms next year, whether that is realistic or not."

Anyone wishing to make a donation toward the uniforms can contact Toney at (706) 447-2102 or brian.toney@ccboe.net.