Parents ask board for new band uniforms

July 29, 2010

Parents of students in the Belen High School Intensity Marching Band are asking for help from both the community and the Belen Consolidated Schools Board of Education to replace worn out band uniforms.

New uniforms haven’t been purchased in more than 10 years, which means the uniforms band students are using are tattered and torn, with faded maroon and white.

In many cases, because so many uniforms have gone missing, students are given uniforms that don’t fit properly.

During band competitions, points are knocked off when the students’ attire isn’t presentable. Parents also say the worn out uniforms are causing low morale in the program.

Right now the band program has 56 students in it. Parents are hoping to purchase 100 new uniforms, allowing the high school’s new band director to grow the program, which in the past has had 80 or more students in it.

Because the uniforms are a special order, they have to be ordered all at once.

One uniform can cost up to $250.

Parents are hoping to have the new uniforms in time for November’s Miracle on Main Street electric light parade in Belen.

Board President Jamie Goldberg and Belen High School principal Jim Danner both hope the district and parents can create a plan to figure out how to find the funding and donations.

The district needs around $25,000. With more budget cuts looming for the district, it’s a difficult task.

“I don’t think we can do anything this year,” Danner said.

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