‘Orange’ you glad the citrus sale started?

Published 12:32 pm Tuesday, October 23, 2012

PEDRO — The Rock Hill Band Boosters is looking for anyone with a hankering for all-things citrus.

The annual fresh citrus sale began Monday and will continue through Nov. 12, 2012.

The band boosters is selling Florida navel oranges, red grapefruit, tangelos and Hamlet Juice oranges at $28 for a case of fruit and $15 for a half of a case. Band director Nick Basham said the community has always been very responsive.

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The fundraiser supports the middle school and high school band, covering 150 band members from grades 6 through 12. Basham said keeping the bands functioning results in a variety of expenses.

“This year we just purchased new uniforms so we had to dip into our savings on that,” Basham said. Other costs include scenery and backdrops used for the marching band show, uniform cleaning and upkeep on equipment, replacing parts from drum heads to instrument reeds.

“A lot of little things people don’t realize,” Basham said. He said for events like the state finals, the boosters feed the band members before the competition. Money raised throughout the year also helps the bands perform in honor band.

“There are a variety of costs that the school can’t cover, and that’s where the band boosters step in,” Basham said. “That’s what the money helps pay for.”

Orders can be placed at the high school or middle school, through a band member, or through the online option.

“We added a new feature doing it online through the website,” Basham said. “If someone doesn’t have cash, or didn’t get an order form, they can do it online. This gives them one more option.”

Basham said band teaches things that aren’t as easily taught in other classes. He said it teaches discipline and a good work ethic. He added that it also gives the students something different to do during the day.

“They get to be creative and be in control,” Basham said.

“There have been some studies done with band it helps right- and left-brain students,” Basham said. “It helps create better problem solvers.”

The benefits don’t end there though, as Basham said he thinks band gives students an additional reason to want to stay in school.

“We hope everyone supports the band,” Basham said. “The money goes to a good cause.”