The Hillsboro High School Marching Band is planning a Meet The Band event as it prepares for the 2016-17 season with more than 90 members.
The band members, led by director Kevin Grow, immerse themselves in musical performances all year long to the benefit of the local schools and community. The Hillsboro High School Marching, Concert and Pep bands perform frequently at various activities and celebrations in the town and beyond, according to HHS Band Boosters member Laura Pickering-Polstra.
This past year, in addition to weekly halftime shows at HHS football games, the Hillsboro band performed at the Memorial Day observance on the Hillsboro courthouse square and in the Festival of the Bells Parade and the Hillsboro Holiday Parade in December. The Hillsboro Concert Band performed free community concerts at the high school during the winter and spring as well as at HHS graduation, and the pep band performed regularly at girls and boys basketball games during the 2015-16 season. The HHS Marching Band was also asked to take part in a special event at the request of recording artist Rachel Hale for her holiday video “Can You Hear the Sound?” filmed at Richards Memorial Field in Hillsboro.
“Hillsboro High School’s band program not only teaches kids music and performance, but also members learn to work as a team, depend upon each other, be supportive, and personally responsible for themselves and their fellow participants. Band helps students mature into the kind of young people that are wanted in the community,” Pickering-Polstra said.
“We are proud of our dedicated young people, as well as the many other people, who behind the scenes are involved in making our Hillsboro band program a success,” Pickering-Polstra continued. “In recent years local businesses, along with civic and religious organizations, have stepped up to assist with providing meals for our students on game days, donating supplies for our Band Booster Booth at HHS football games, and also student prizes for fundraising activities. These contributions and volunteers from our local community have been invaluable. The Hillsboro Band Boosters would like to thank those who have gone out of their way to support our kids. This assistance ensures our students have the resources they need to thrive while cultivating a rewarding experience with the band.”
The band booster organization is open to new members, interested community members, and volunteers.
“Please help us to continue to give our children a chance to grow, learn and excel,” Pickering-Polstra said.
A Meet The Band picnic is being planned at Liberty Park on Saturday, July 23. It will likely start around 11 a.m. and continue until the crowd thins out.
“Come out and spend an afternoon with some of the finest young people in our community,” Pickering-Polstra said.
The Hillsboro Band Booster officers for the 2015-16 school year are Jason Newman, president; Amy White, vice-president; Linda Van Groll, treasurer; and Stacey Newman, secretary.
If you are unable to attend the picnic and would still like to help the Hillsboro bands, contact Pickering-Polstra at 937-205-3996.
