The Southeast Missouri State University Marching Band has an exclusive opportunity this year, and they have just one month left of fundraising to get there.
Southeast Marching Band has been invited to perform at the Bands of America Super Regional in Indianapolis on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Two college bands per year are selected, and Southeast was chosen as one. Purdue University is the other university invited to perform.
“For these students, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Nick Kenney, Assistant Director of Bands and interim chairperson of the Department of Music. “For many of these students, this is the largest crowd of people they have ever performed for, and the audience is a group of people who are invested in and love the activity. In this way, it can also serve as an event to help get the amazing work that we are doing here at SEMO on the map in terms of recruiting.”
The band is still working on the fundraising efforts. They have about $10,000 left to raise and just one month before the trip. The funds will go toward transportation for equipment and students, hotel, food, and the other expenses of traveling to Indiana.
Students have done work over the last several months to help raise money, including working at the fair, the Show Me Center, and hosting a car wash.
“Having donors quite literally means everything to this sort of event,” said Kenney. “Without their support, it wouldn’t be possible. We rely solely on the generosity of businesses and individuals in our community. It is terrific to see so many folks willing to give back and help our students experience something new and represent the University on the national stage.”
Donations can be made on the Marching Band giving page for the Bands of America Super Regional trip.