NORWICH – The Norwich Band Parent Association (BPA) is shaking up its fundraising efforts this year with its first-ever dance, Chinese auction and bake sale, to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Norwich VFW, 61-63 East Main Street.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the NHS Purple Tornado Marching Band and the BPA, said BPA co-president Jason Miller, in the form of new equipment, transportation and BPA operating costs and funding for a proposed trip to Washington, D.C. in April.
Local businesses donated a wide variety of items for the Chinese auction, added Miller, and community support for the band remains at a high level.
“The local community has always been very gracious with its support for the band and we’re completely humbled by that,” stated Miller. “Whether it’s a parade or a field show, the community is always very appreciative.”
Entertainment at the fundraiser and dance will be provided by local classic and modern rock ensemble My New Obsession, whose guitarist and lead singer have their own, personal connection to the NHS Marching Band.
For more than ten seasons, between 1992 and 2008, My New Obsession lead guitarist Marc Funaro instructed the auxiliary percussion section of the band, not to mention four years of participation with the drum line on quads as a high school student.
“Personally, for me, the band played a huge role in my high school experience and had a major influence on my level of perfectionism,” said Funaro. “It had a direct impact on how much I demand of myself and those with whom I make music with.”
On the other side of the equation, stated Funaro, he and fiancee Connie Silverbrand – also the lead singer with My New Obsession – as band parents, have long recognized just how worthwhile the marching band is.
“To create well-rounded students and give them that positive attitude is everything. As we all know, nobody sits on the bench in marching band,” he added.
