Halftime Magazine is joining the efforts to help Joplin rebuild its band program by collecting and donating cash toward student band fees.
On May 22, 2011, a massive tornado struck Joplin, Mo., killing at least 156 people and damaging 8,000 buildings. Along its path of destruction, which stretched almost 1 mile wide and 7 miles long within the city limits, the tornado completely destroyed Joplin High School along with several other structures.
District-wide, the music department needs $3.7 million to replace all of its instruments, sheet music and equipment. Thankfully, the program has already received hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations.
We want to do our part to help the Joplin Eagle Pride Marching Band soar high again and will be collecting and donating money toward student band fees. At $85 for each of the 139 members, the total need is $11,815.
According to Rick Castor, director of instrumental music for the school district and the high school band director, 2,300 high school students can’t live in their previous home. “There are so many families— they didn’t just lose their home; they also lost their job because the business where they worked was gone. … They just don’t have enough money to pay for anything right now.”
To reach the $11,815 donation goal, Halftime Magazine will be sponsoring at least one student to cover his or her entire $85 fee. In addition, between now and Aug. 13, we will give $1 from every individual subscription and 10% of the proceeds from every group subscription.
Halftime Magazine will also be conducting a special fundraiser— with giveaways and prizes—during Drum Corps International World Championships in Indianapolis from Aug. 11 to 13.
We need your help to make an even greater impact. During this time, we will be collecting donations on Joplin’s behalf. Please consider a pledge of $85 to sponsor a Joplin student in need. However, even smaller amounts add up quickly. Write your check to Joplin Band Boosters and send it to:
Joplin Band Fee Fund
c/o Halftime Magazine
P.O. Box 428738
Cincinnati, OH 45242
100% of your donation will be given to the Joplin Band and is completely tax-deductible. We hope you will consider this donation and encourage your friends, family, associates and band mates to do the same. Share it with everyone you know. Let’s band together for this cause to help Castor and the Joplin students prove that “the wind can’t stop the music.”
(In the July/August 2011 issue of Halftime Magazine, we interviewed Castor about the present and future of the Joplin Eagle Pride band; click here to read his Q&A.)