TAHLEQUAH —
When the Tahlequah High School Orange Express Marching Band takes the field next football season, members will be sporting new uniforms for the first time in over a decade.
Until then, band directors, boosters parents and students are furiously raising funds to cover the expense.
“It’s been over 10 years since we’ve had new uniforms,” said Band Director Josh Allen. “They’re supposed to be replaced every 10, but I think these are 12 years old. To outfit the band will cost anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000.”
Those familiar with the uniforms know all too well the weight of the thick, black outfits, as well as the dry-cleaning expense involved in maintaining them.
“The new uniforms are about half the weight of the old ones, and they’re machine washable,” said Allen.
Allen said the THS band room is equipped with a washer and dryer, which will cut cleaning expenses for students.
The students will be responsible for purchasing uniform pants and shoes, and the balance will be paid for through fundraising.
“We’re trying to get the purchase expedited, because there’s about a five-month turnaround time,” said Allen. “We want to be sure and have them in time for marching season next year.”
According to Allen, the band parents and boosters have managed to save a little money this year, despite making the trip to San Diego in December.
“Our goal is to pay for the uniforms, and still have money for next year,” said Allen.
While this school year is almost over, both the Orange Ex-press and the Tahlequah Middle School bands are prepping for the final concert of the year, as well as the band banquet and a spring fundraiser.
The instrumental concert is slated for Tuesday, May 15, in the THS Performing Arts Center. Band coronation begins at 6:30 p.m., and the concert follows shortly thereafter.
Musicians in sixth through 12th grade will be performing.
The band banquet for both THS and TMS will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 17, at the Tahlequah Community Building. Tickets are $5 per person, and the event includes dinner, an awards presentation and a dance.
“We really wanted a larger venue this year,” said Allen. “We reduced the ticket price, because we hope every single student and their parents will attend.”
On Friday, May 18, T-Bones’ Restaurant is hosting “Support the Band” night.
“Our band members will perform, and we plan on having jars distributed on the tables for fundraising,” said Allen.
“Also, a portion of the meal sales will be donated to the Orange Express.”
And just because school is out doesn’t mean the Orange Express rests on its laurels.
“We’ll open the fireworks stand, which is our primary fundraiser for the year, on June 23, and will be open through July 4,” said Allen. “Band boosters and band members will be manning the operation.”
After a brief respite from fundraising, Orange Express members will begin working on next year’s halftime show via day camp.
“Last year, instead of going to a state lodge, we moved everything to THS,” said Allen. “We wanted to use this facility. I mean, we have this huge, nice area and we can come inside when it’s hot and work outside when it’s not. Not only that, but this way, there is no cost to attend.”
Band camp begins in earnest July 23 and runs through Aug. 3.
“The first week, we’ll work from 8 a.m. to noon,” said Allen. “The second week, we’ll start at 8 a.m. and quit when we’re finished.”
In addition to working on the new show, band members will be treated to fun and fellowship.
“We practice, but we also play,” said Allen. “One day we’ll rent out the city pool, another day we’ll go to the skating rink. What’s important is that we’re building a team, and the kids bond with each other.”
More than anything, he said, they work on becoming a family.
“These kids look out for each other and care for each other. These kids know that, by being part of the band, they have 100 other kids watching their backs,” Allen said. “We are the largest organization in the Tahlequah Public School system.”
According to Allen, the Orange Express will tout well over 100 members next year, the biggest the band has been in a while. The new halftime show is the brainchild of co-director Justin Frazier, and will be based on the 1927 silent film “Metropolis.”
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