North Rowan needs more money for band uniforms

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By Sarah Campbell

scampbell@salisburypost.com

SPENCER — The Mighty Marching Cavaliers are still raising money to cover the more than $30,000 expense to purchase new band uniforms.

A Jan. 11 story about the Rowan-Salisbury School System’s matching funds projects incorrectly stated North Rowan High School has already raised its portion of the money for the band uniforms. The district will provide at least a 50 percent match of funds raised at each school, up to $10,000.

Andrew Howe, North’s band director, said boosters have raised about half of the $6,500 required by the school system to receive the match. That money will be used for a down payment for the 90 uniforms.

Howe said the band is still seeking donations from family members and the community.

Band members are planning to put on a benefit concert toward the end of the semester, with funds raised going toward the uniforms. Howe said the students will also being doing car washes and selling doughnuts.

“We are going to be doing anything that stands a chance at making a profit,” Howe said.

The band hasn’t purchased new uniforms since Howe was a senior at the school about a decade ago. He said it’s typical for high school bands to buy new threads every 10 years or so.

Howe said the students had some input in the design of the new uniform.

He said world-renowned uniform designer Michael Cesario put together an extensive two-page questionnaire asking the students questions like, “What kind of music do you play?”

After receiving the feedback, Cesario designed a uniform that Howe describes as a “really good marriage of traditional and contemporary” styles.

“As soon as I opened the email and (the sketch) popped up on my screen I thought, ‘That’s it,’ ” he said. “The parents and students really love it too.”

Anyone interested in donating toward the purchase of the uniforms can call Howe at 704-636-4420 or Band Boosters Treasurer Sheila Mulkey at 704-637-0518.

Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.

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