Fundraiser to help students attend band camp and more

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We’re all familiar with the terms soccer mom, hockey dad or dance parent (to name a few). But student activities that don’t always get a lot of attention or accolades are band and guard (color guard and winter guard).

Those who have children in these programs know how much time is spent transporting kids to practice and performances, hauling instruments and equipment and being part of a group solely devoted to their children.

Renee Lake is a member of the Minooka High School band Boosters. Son Gabe is a freshman at Minooka High and daughter Angela is now a sophomore at Notre Dame and is still in band. This year marked the second for Angela to play in a bowl game.

The program has taught Lake’s children ideals over and above what is learned in the classroom. They learn to work cooperatively in order to form one harmonious sound. They learn about commitment and following through. And they learn to do their best because their actions affect the group as a whole.

When incoming freshmen begin the program, they get acclimated to high school during the summer when they meet and practice with other members, giving them a bit of an advantage. The older students then mentor the younger ones.

Lake believes that when it comes to learning, the arts are the glue that binds together what students learn in the classroom and gives them an outlet to express that.

But one thing that worries her, and other band and guard parents, is that when school funding is low, the arts are the first to be threatened with cuts.

To help defray costs, the Minooka High School Band and Guard Boosters will hold their annual fundraiser, A Night of Rockin’ Mystery, on Feb. 4 at Skateland Recreation Center in Channahon.

If there’s one thing musical families know, it’s how to have a good time. This adult event will be no different. In addition to helping to solve a murder mystery, there will be a dinner buffet, cash bar and dancing to a DJ.

Fundraising efforts will include a silent auction, raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing.

Of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without a performance by the Minooka High jazz band.

The deadline to buy tickets is Wednesday. Contact Cliff Scholp at 815-467-0832.

Funds from the event will be used to offset essentials such as new equipment and substantially reduce fees to band camp, which is mandatory for all band and guard members.

Vicki Rak has a daughter in band, sophomore Amber. Daughter Alyssa, who graduated in 2011, took park in band all four years.

While Alyssa hasn’t chosen a career in music, band was one of the things that kept her motivated in high school, Rak said.

Amber plans to continue in music once she graduates from Minooka. She plays several instruments including the coronet, French horn and marching horn. She also is in the drum line.

Students in the band and guard program, and their parents in the boosters, become like family, Rak said. What the boosters bring to the program through events and fundraisers is very important.

Without the proceeds from fundraisers such as A Night of Rockin Mystery, the cost of things like band camp would not be affordable for many families.

If you can’t attend the fundraiser but would like to make a donation to the program, contact Liz Danno at 630-816-9243.

Reach Kris Stadalsky
at writestuff56@comcast.net.