Band holds variety show to fund DisneyWorld appearance

The variety show is returning this year to help the band raise money for their trip to perform at Walt Disney World. 

The variety show features all of the band members and their instruments.

“The variety show is our yearly fundraiser for the band, and this year it is all Disney themed,” junior drum major Ali Hankins said.

Every section of the band is doing their own songs for the show.

“It will be separated into each instrument section. For example, the saxophones are playing a song from Monsters Inc,” Hankins said.

Many of the parents are excited to watch the show this year.

“This year’s show will be the biggest one we have ever had!” senior mom Laura Winkleman said. “We have sold out all of our seats and have a waiting list! It is fun to do a theme that goes along with the big trip our students are taking.”

Besides the band, there will be other events taking place such as a silent auction.

“A large part of the variety show, besides the music of course, is the silent auction,” Winkleman said. “Every section of the band has created a large basket we are auctioning off. Also, many local generous businesses and band patrons have donated items that we will have bidding on throughout the evening. We also have a very large Sweet Shoppe where people have donated baked goods, and we will auction these off as well. This is always a fun part of the evening and an excellent fundraiser for our trip.”

The show has been a huge hit in the past, and many students and parents are excited to attend.

“I think word has gotten out that the variety show is a fantastic and fun evening, which is why we have a waiting list for tickets this year,” Winkleman said. “I think everyone who comes always wants to come back. So many band parents whose students have graduated come back every year and support the band.”

Along with many other senior parents, Winkleman is enjoying the last few shows for her son, senior Luke Winkleman. 

“Everything is bittersweet when you have a senior,” Winkleman said. “We will soak up all the fun and surprises he always has in a performance and be thankful we get to watch him one more time in this venue! We have enjoyed every minute watching Luke perform and grow as a musician throughout his time with Mrs. Hannah Drake. I know he will continue to use his musical skills that he has developed in high school throughout his life. And I don’t have to be too sad, because I still have Sarah in the band.” 

Many of the seniors have enjoyed doing the variety show in the past, and are sad about this being their last one. They are also very grateful for the time they have been able to spend with Drake and the other band members in preparation for performances.

“It’s very bittersweet, this being my last variety show,” senior Braxtyn Baugher said. “It’s a very exciting time especially with this being the fundraiser for our trip to Disney this spring. I’ve really enjoyed the past four years of being a part of the HHS band. And I’m so excited to see the outcome of the variety show and other band events to come.”