Help the Grandville Band Program Earn $6,000 from Borgman Ford By Taking a Test Drive Sat. Oct. 20th
Help out the award-winning Grandville Band program continue to serve its 800 Gr. 6-12 music students by attending Borgman Ford’s “Drive One 4 Ur School” event, which will run Sat., Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Grandville High School. Each test-drive nets the school $20, for an award up to $6,000.
Band parent and organizer Barb Brown says the money will help equip new students with some of the more expensive instruments and continue to improve the popular program in the face of continuing funding cuts. For example, funding helps pay for uniforms, semi-truck transportation to state competitions, and more. Without it, the program could not compete in events like the MSBOA one it just completed in Zeeland, where the Marching Band received a #1 rating for the 45th consecutive year.
Thirty-five years ago, Brown was a member of the top notch band program, and intends to support its continued success. The benefits of music in education are myriad – including increased math proficiency. But the discipline, teamwork, and social setting are equally important benefits.
“My two kids are surrounded by 175 of the most talented, smart, greatest fellow marching band mates I could ever hope for,” she said.
“Eddie Garcia has done a wonderful job filling Mr. Brower’s shoes and we’re fortunate to have Mackenzie Foss, a 2006 Grandville Graduate, return as our part-time band director,” she said.
Visitors will also enjoy the school’s Harvestfest Craft Show, running simultaneously from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will get to the see Varsity Marching Band practicing throughout the afternoon while it preps for the Jenison Invitational. Recently, the varsity marching band won the Grand Championship at Ostego.
Another way to help out the band program is to stop by the Grandville Invitational performance next Saturday, Oct. 13th, at the school to catch the Varsity Marching Band’s new show, “Incomplete,” which features some awesome “dubstepping.”
The Drive One 4 Ur School program was devised by Ford Motor Company to recognize the need for creative and exciting fundraising opportunities integral to the the community. Borgman Ford General manager Brandon Funk cites the great pairing of Ford’s fab lineup with raising money to support the tradition of excellence at Grandville Schools.
“We enjoy getting out into the community and helping students pursue their passions and develop their talents. It’s our way of supporting arts in education, and it’s a great way to check out the latest features of Ford’s lineup!”