Leader Editorial: Let’s help make sure the bands play on

In case the news has not yet reached your ears, Sept. 28 has been set aside as Community Day in support of the outstanding John Burroughs High School band program.

This all-day event will find band students selling various items to not only preserve their award-winning program, but to help pay for new uniforms that will one day replace the 20-year-old outfits the marching band members currently wear in parades and while performing their field shows.

Take note: Fundraising tables will be set up from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Handy Market on Magnolia Boulevard; the Albertsons on Verdugo Avenue; the Ralphs on Buena Vista Street; and at Bob’s Big Boy on Riverside Drive in Toluca Lake. They’ll also be set up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Pavilions store on Alameda Avenue and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Vons on Pass Avenue. That makes six convenient locations, all with easy parking. As an added feature, the Roving Pep Band is expected to perform live at each of the locations throughout the day, ending with a show at 3 p.m. at Handy Market.

The Burroughs band program, which includes a wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert band and jazz ensemble, is renowned and represents this city well. But without the help of band members’ parents and the generosity of strangers, it cannot flourish. Those who cannot make it to any of the Community Day fundraising stations are invited to visit the John Burroughs High School Instrumental Music Assn. website, jbhsima.org, and make a donation there.

Let’s all do what we can to help keep the Burroughs band stepping lively.