Posted on: Friday, November 8, 2002
All-state band needs $54,000
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Staff Writer
| At a glance
• What: Kamehameha Tournament of Bands, which will include the inaugural performance of the Nakoa Alii All-State Band • When: 6 p.m. tomorrow • Where: Kamehameha Schools' new football field • Cost: $3 |
Hawai'i's first all-state marching band, which will perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena, Calif., will give its inaugural performance this weekend.
The Nakoa Alii All-State Band is melding into a cohesive unit, but with only two months left until the parade, the organization is still scrambling for money.
The band will play tomorrow during the Kamehameha Tournament of Bands at Kamehameha Schools, during which they will meet Tournament of Roses officials and receive their official invitation and a parade flag.
At least $54,000 is still needed for uniforms, food and airfare for 87 members from the Neighbor Islands who need to get to O'ahu for two practices. The group also would like to get matching T-shirts for band members.
Each student had to raise $1,040 for the trip, but the band organization, which is run by volunteers, wanted to at least supply uniforms.
Support and donations received so far include $10,000 from the James & Abigail Campbell Foundation and a special deal from Mamo Howell for the uniforms.
But more is needed and the organization hopes other businesses and foundations will match the Campbell gift.
"Our biggest problem is trying to get the outer island kids here for the (Dec.) 21 and 23 practice," said Michael Payton, the all-state band director and part-time band director at Kahuku High School.
The all-state band continues to grow, with 396 members representing 40 Hawai'i public and private schools statewide. They'll march before approximately 1 million people on a 5 1/2-mile route.ew Hawai'i high school bands have participated in the Rose Parade, which is very selective. This will be the first time an all-state band has represented Hawai'i.
The all-state band's Kahuku contingent of 103 members still has to raise about $6,000. Recently the band appeared in a McDonald's commercial that will help pay some of the traveling expenses.
Just the O'ahu band members will be present for tomorrow's debut, said John Riggle, managing director for the all-state band and Kamehameha High School band director.
The group also plans to march in a Waikiki parade Nov. 29 and in a Christmas parade in La'ie on Dec. 21. The entire band is expected for the latter performance.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
