The Pride of August

During June, July and August, there is very little change in the activity level of the Music Program.  Two short days after performing at the graduation ceremony, the band typically spends time closing out the year, and simultaneously ramps up to get ready for the next season during their seamless summer.  The group dynamic changes as the incoming freshmen are brought into the fold, and the leadership team works to create the new Panther Band. 

However, the Summer of 2012 was different. On top of all the normal 'off-season' activity, the band members took on two additional events.  This went above and beyond the call of the music program, and supported a special cause.

One of their own alumni from the class of ‘09, , who is also the current Color Guard coach for the music program at Benicia Middle School was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in February of this year.  This unexpected diagnosis caused Cara to drop all activities so she could focus on her treatment. She was forced to leave her coaching job at the height of their Winterguard season. She has courageously been undergoing months of strong treatment and has been surrounded by a solid circle of family and friends.

There is a heavy financial burden which comes with this, as well as an emotional burden on the minds of the family and friends who are so impacted by this fight. 

So, BHS Leadership alumni from 2009-2012 organized a fundraising event called The Alumni Benefit Showcase.  This variety show was held on August 3rd at BHS, and included vocals, dance, improv entertainment and live rock, all performed by BHS alumni.  It was a special moment to see the dancers perform an excerpt from the routine to "Here Comes The Sun," which Cara choreographed as a high school student. 

Michael Nasr (‘09 Band Council President) and Annabelle Prasad (’09 ASB President) spearheaded the event, which brought in generous donations for Cara's treatment, and served to remind the family of the love and support surrounding them.

Cara and her family were present.  As the emcees took the stage, they spoke to the audience about “how much power Cara had…and still has…in order to pull all these people and this art together.”

“The Band Program teaches about family.  We are all a family.  This night is a prime example of this,” said Patrick Martin, Panther Band Director.  “I saw her this summer.  She is strong----so strong with her positive outlook. We can learn a lot from her.”

In a poignant moment, Cara’s mother ended the evening with a letter, sharing the journey of a mother’s heart as she watches her child fight cancer.  After spending nights at UCSF in makeshift sleeping situations and very little sleep, she would take the morning train back into the East Bay, to work at her full time job.  Her words touched the audience, redefining the word “Strength.”

While this concert was being planned, members of the Panther Band Relay For Life team were working all summer to raise money for their August 25th event, also held at the high school.  It included current and alumni band members, with this being the fourth year of their participation.  They found creative ways to raise money, which included yard sales, Rubio's Takeovers, Farmer’s Market campaigns and home parties selling merchandise for proceeds. This year the Panther Band dedicated their work to Cara, and walked in her honor. 

Leslie Blackie, a booster parent, kept careful notes of the entire event and shared her thoughts. “The BHS band team raised $2,756!  In fact, they were the 9th most successful fundraising team out of 41 teams overall.” She felt the band teammates were helpful to the event organizers as well as providing a lot of energy at the dance party in the evening, and of course having a presence on the track for all 24 hours.

She added, "I am just so proud of the band kids and their hard work, dedication and commitment to a wide range of things but particularly community service.  I love that Mr. Martin wanted the kids to participate in the Relay because he wanted them to give back to the community that supports the band program." 

Band members and alumni participated in the Opening Ceremony (singing the National Anthem with a buoyant A cappella rendition) as well as in the Closing Ceremonies. 

There were several parents who were there all day and night, assisted by other parents who chaperoned various shifts.  Alumni families provided lunch and dinner to the team, while others helped out during setup or sent in food and snacks.  

When confronted with the question: “What can we do to help?” it is uplifting to see how young people can use the power of music and teamwork to creatively raise funds and awareness for causes that impact the larger community.  Even more noteworthy, is the precious resource of alumni: a group which is undivided by the passage of years.

As was said during the Alumni Benefit Showcase: “Once A Panther…Always a Panther."

If interested in making a contribution: http://carascure.bbnow.org/about.php 

To know more about Cara's journey: http://www.writergirldreams.com/2012/03/cara.html 

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com