Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Band Boosters make activities possible for enthusiastic musicians

The Gurdon bands have a philosophy of doing excellent "big school" work and not using the district's size as any excuse not to, according to Allen Wimberly, band director.

This determination has seen bandsmen from 1996-2004 achieve superior and excellent ratings in concert contest, sight-reading, marching, solo/ensembles and jazz band. Wimberly said Bruce Burson, assistant band director, has worked hard along side him to continue developing the musical talents of band students.

But to do such work, the organization needs backing from hard workers willing to raise finances for supplies. The backing here is an active band boosters, filled with parents and friends of the musical programs. It is something this school has been fortunate to have for many years.

Booster members say a current goal of band backers is to send the Gurdon musicians to Disney World and march in the parade.

One of the main sources of income and activity the band boosters have is the band concession stand, used once or twice a week this time of year for football games. School Board personnel added an 18,000 btu air conditioner to the structure on Monday, Sept. 27 and are planning more permanent improvements to the air conditioning system in the future.

This was an icing on the cake improvement after the results of a $10,000 grant from Cabe the band boosters received in July. Co-treasurer Denise Ezell and Band Booster President Maxine Weems allowed a tour on Tuesday, Sept. 28, of the new equipment the grant purchased as they prepared food and drink in anticipation of fans coming that Thursday for a junior high school Go-Devils game against England.

Ezell said, "We got all sorts of neat things with the grant. I would like to say thank you, on behalf of all of us associated with band, to the Cabes for all of the help they have given."

Ezell pointed out: a new electronic cook-top, a large freezer chest, an upright freezer, a popcorn machine, an icemaker, two new microwaves, a flame-saver warmer and a hotdog steamer. In addition, there are two carts for moving food, beverages etc., numerous pans and utensils.

Weems said the dozen or so regular workers have really appreciated the new equipment and it has made a world of difference.

"We have about 12 come to our monthly meetings, which are at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, at the municipal building," she said.

This month's meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 12. Weems said the parents and friends are the majority of the concession workers, but senior high school band students do come in some on Thursday evenings for the junior high school games.

"We also have students go to Magic Springs to work. Six or seven went this past Saturday. The money goes to band boosters," Weems said. "If a kid works, they get $3 in credits shirts, shoes  band camp stuff. We also pay for the blankets, jackets and other supplies needed."

Ezell has been a volunteer for approximately eight years. Her band student, Elizabeth Ezell, played flute at Gurdon. She is now a second year college student studying forensics at Henderson State University.

Weems said she has been a working volunteer for nearly seven years. Her son Bradley is a third year college student at Henderson, studying band and playing the tuba.

"My senior is Brant who plays drums at GHS," she said. "And I have a sophomore, Branaie, who plays trombone at Gurdon."

The band boosters are there financially and to provide moral support for all of the band activities throughout the year. For example, in October, the band will go to a marching contest in Jessieville on the 12th; on Oct. 16, the "Play it Again" Arkansas marching contest at War Memorial Stadium; on Oct. 19, the "Governors' Cup" marching contest in Beebe; Oct. 23, "Fairview" marching contest at Camden; and Oct. 26, the "Region" marching contest at Lake Hamilton High School at Hot Springs.

The schedule is full up until May, with May 20-21 being the scheduled time for the "Band Reward Trip."

In addition to the concession stand, band boosters do a yearly calendar to further finance the schedule. Spots for birthdays and anniversaries are for sale until Nov. 1. Those interested may call Bonnie Wimberly at: 353-6550.

Ezell said there will be a booth set up at the Forest Festival, Saturday, Oct. 30, where people can put their names on the calendar.

As to the current concession stand, it has been at the present location for around five years, previously an older and much smaller version was active at the old football field on South Street.

"We have three to four times the space at the new location," Ezell said. "Good things continue to happen."

Weems said band members did get to go to San Antonio, Texas to see the drum corp in 2003. The booster club takes the senior high school on trips as time and money permits  usually going in May, at the end of the school year.

Weems said a high point during the San Antonio trip was visiting Sea World.

The president said other officers in Band Boosters include: Ronnie Lasker, vice president; and secretary, Melinda Allen; plus co-treasurer Cheryl Reed.

"The concession stand and band boosters in general is a group thing," Weems said. "We all work together to help. We are always needing hands at the concession stand. Anyone interested in our kids and having some time is welcome to volunteer."