Dayton band supporters planning for growth

The Dayton High School marching band marches in the Nevada Day parade every year. However, the musicians and color guard are not dressed in uniform.

The band, parents and Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce are hoping to change that with several planned fundraisers to purchase 100 uniforms for the band and color guard.

"We have 53 kids in band (this year)," said Pam Boga, chairwoman of the fundraiser and a band parent. "There are lots of students who already plan to be part of band next year. We're planning for growth."

A Band and Barbecue fundraiser will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday at Dayton High School.

Boga said they hope to raise a total of $40,000. Money raised through fundraisers will be matched by a local businessman, and Boga hopes the Lyon County School Board also will help with funds.

"It's not just about the band, it's not just about the school. It's about our community and the pride we have, encouraging our kids to be all they can be. This is a community effort," she said.

Boga said the band has competed in Northern Nevada the past couple of years in field competition events with the students wearing slacks and polo shirts.

"We have a business donating two trips for two on Carnival Cruise Lines to the Mexican Riviera," Boga added. Raffle tickets will be sold now through May 18, the date of the band's last concert. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100.

"We're very optimistic this will happen " this will come together," Boga said.

Future fundraisers include a "cut-off" at Trü Hair Salon, candle sales, rummage sale, and the band will have a booth at the May 16 Oodles of Noodles in Dayton.

For the Carson Middle School band program, the Carson City Elks Lodge is hosting a benefit spaghetti feed from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at the lodge.

"Some of the kids (from CMS band) are going to play," said Shirley Parks, a lodge trustee and community services chairwoman.

"They have new kids coming into the program and we thought this would be a good way to help them out."

CMS band instructor Will Blankenship said the band program already has uniforms but there will be new kids entering the program for 2009-2010.

"We have 130-140 kids (in the program) now," Blanken-

ship said. "But I don't know yet how many will be coming in. The money raised will be for next year."

"I do hope we have a good turnout," Parks added. "I've got lots of spaghetti sauce. Lots."

What: Dayton High School Band uniform fundraiser

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Dayton High School, 335 Dayton Valley Road, Dayton.

Cost: $5 for adults or $12 for a family.

DETaILS: Call 882-2177 or 882-3751.

What: Carson Middle School band spaghetti feed fundraiser

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Elks Lodge. 515 N. Nevada St.

Cost: $7 adults; $4 ages 11 and under.