Spring Shopping Day Drums Up Support for MTHS Marching Band

Scented candles, scrunchy plush toys, colorful jewelry and crafts enticed shoppers to purchase a new Spring item and support the MTHS marching band program.

The MMBBA- Montville Marching Band Booster’s Association held a “Spring Forward to Shopping Day” on Saturday April 2, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the MTHS cafeteria.  Eighteen vendors displayed their wares and donated raffle prizes in support of the high school’s 60 member marching band and its color guard.

MMBBA President, Karin Skaletsky, said this is the first year the booster’s are holding this event.  She estimated 50 to 75 people had stopped by the makeshift showroom by 1:00pm.  Skaletsky said she hoped to raise more than $2,000 for a new drumline – 6 or 7 new drums were the focus of the day’s effort she said.

The bulk of fundraising came from vendors who paid $50 to rent a table and the sale of raffle tickets for vendors’ products- jewelry, lotions, crafts, stuffed toys.

“The money all goes to one goal, which is to have the continuation of the program,” Skaletsky said.  The list of ongoing marching band expenses includes instruments, competition costs, yearly color guard uniforms, financial assistance for families who need aid with band membership dues, and trips.

Regarding the need for ongoing fundraising Skaletsky said “music programs are being cut all over the country, but the program gives students an outlet to express themselves in other ways than the classroom. 

"We think it’s a great program," she said. " We’re very happy with all the children involved.  The parental involvement is special to us and it gives parents a chance to interact with their child outside of the home.  It’s a wonderful experience for all.”

MTHS marching band is currently ranked 8th out of 22 bands in a national competition which takes place every November in Annapolis, according to Skaletsky.

Many vendors expressed similar fondness for the MTHS marching band.  Vicki Klein, who displayed wickless candles at her “Scentsy” table, has a son in the band and another child will begin marching next year.  Linda Spinelli, who showed “Lia Sophia” jewelry, is a former band parent.  Cynthia Kirby presented a collection of jewelry title “Cultural Expression.”  Kirby said supporting extracurricular activities is important especially these days with cuts so extensive in place like Albany, NY where all extras have been eliminated in schools.

The event was not only open to people.  A couple of furry shoppers from the Seeing Eye stopped by with their trainers.  Students and shoppers gathered around to ogle and pet the pair.  Melissa Baumgartner said she and fellow trainer, Bonnie Dicola, brought Prince, a 2-month old Golden Retriever, and Dimples, a 17-month old German Shepherd out to socialize and support the band, too.