We are lucky in Portsmouth to have an incredibly dedicated, energetic music boosters group! What they have accomplished in just 3 weeks in terms of fundraising to send our marching band to the inaugural parade is phenomenal. But our kids still need your donations to meet the cost of this incredible opportunity. Anytime is the right time-even after they have returned! They Leave Sunday morning for DC and return Tuesday evening.
In case folks haven't heard, The PHS Marching Band was noticed by the Inaugural Parade Committee when they were marching in the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade last April In DC. They are one of only 10 high school marching bands invited to march in this inaugural parade!
You can mail checks made out to Portsmouth Music Boosters and mail to Portsmouth Music Boosters PO Box 21 Portsmouth, RI 02871. OR you can go to their website and donate through PayPal if you have a PayPal account.
http://www.portsmouthmusicboosters.org/
Every little bit counts!
East side
6:10 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
This PHS support organization has raised so far over 600K!!! http://friendsofphsartsandathleticcomplex.wordpress.com/
How about they use the marching band as a great way to promote the school's efforts and give some money to support the band?
Nan J
4:44 pm on Sunday, January 20, 2013
Why is the school committee spending taxpayer money, $25,000, to send band members to Washington DC? Jan 9 Newport News story. Let's use taxpayer monies for education, not for student entertainment and travel!!
Cathy Hazel
6:01 pm on Sunday, January 20, 2013
To Nan J, These students are going to be a part of history and the experience of a lifetime. I believe they will learn alot from this trip that will stay with them forever. That's PRICELESS !!!!!! This is a privilege that very few get to experience. They are not staying at a Hilton or flying first class. God bless these students and the school leaders and parents for making this experience happen for these children in response to a personal invitation to be in the parade. They also did fundraising for the trip and paid some money out of their own pockets. Taxpayers did not pay for this whole trip. If I lived in Portsmouth, I would be proud to see our school and community represented on National TV for the Inauguration. I live in Buffalo, NY and am a proud Aunt of one of those band members! I know it's not my tax money but I would be just as proud if it was a Buffalo school going and be willing to have my tax money go to such a unique experience!! Cathy H
Portsmouth Resident
12:37 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
You obvisouly don't have children. This is a once in a lifetime experience for these children. They have worked hard to get where they are at and this experience will be with them forever. It is great to show that a community can come together for the sake of our children, which happen to be our future leaders.
James Hinsey
12:58 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I would hardly call this trip entertainment for these students. Being part of a high school band takes hard work and dedication. They are learning life-lessons as well as skills that they will carry into adulthood. Their friendships will be bonds that will last a lifetime. They've been called upon to represent Rhode Island at an event for the highest office of the land and will be among the other few from other states. If you don't want taxpayer money spent, consider donating to help them out, even now afterwards as they may have bills due.
Jane Wolk Wheeler
12:56 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
The school committee pledged to give UP TO $ $25,000 to close the gap between fundraising, student payment, and final cost. Chances are that entire amount won't be utilized. I realize, Nan J that you are opposed to any taxpayer money being used for this purpose, but I just didn't want misinformation to be out there. But I agree with Cathy. Theses young musicians work very hard and have been rewarded with an invitation from the inaugural parade committee. I believe This IS part of their education, and an incredible honor.
East side
7:48 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
To NAN J - this endorsement for the PHS school band further validates that the Portsmouth School program is a great school and thus increases the communities value thus further increases your home value. The people in this town give back to their community and to the school as we have seen with the fundraising efforts for the new track. A great success all around.
James Hinsey
1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
You can see a clip of the Portsmouth band at C-Span Video. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/clip/4323840