Local Businesses Stepping in to Help Middle School Marching Band

Anyone looking for a reason to support local business need look no further than the Benicia Middle School band’s efforts to raise money to replace their 25-year-old uniforms. 

The band has set up donation boxes at businesses up and down First Street and at least one business in the Southampton shopping center is also participating.

“The Benicia Middle School Vikings Band, Drum Guard and Color Guard represent Benicia in numerous competitions and concerts throughout northern California,” said band booster Annie Marie Hogenboom. “They have managed to consistently win 1st and 2nd place awards in all categories because of the excellence of the BMS (and elementary) music program and because of the hard work and dedication of Mr. Walp, the students, and the many parent volunteers.”

When school bands compete they are graded on how their uniforms look.

“No amount of stitching and patching can continue to keep the old uniforms looking sharp,” said Hogenboom.  “Some of them are 25 years old.”

Besides the donation boxes spread around town the band will have some fundraising events.  The first one, a Mardi Gras themed event, is planned for The Rellik on February 17.

“We are in desperate need of new matching uniforms,” said Hogenboom.  “If every Benicia resident donated a dollar, we would be able to provide our students with sharp, matching uniforms that will require minimal upkeep in the decades to come.”

First Street merchants who are participating in the effort are ABC Music, Angel Heart 4 You, Artcentric, Capitol Cafe, Double Rainbow Cafe, Java Point, Kinder’s Meats Deli & BBQ, Rosanna’s European Delights, Shiroco’s and Spoonful of Sugar. Bookshop Benicia in the Southampton Shopping Center is participating as well.

According to middle school band director Glen Walp, the group wants 80 new uniforms for its members.

"Benicia's excellent public school band program is an indicator of our commitment to education and the high quality of life that we enjoy," said Hogenbloom.  "Please help us provide this important support to our middle school band program."