The economy may be bust, but drums can still boom boom boom
Heritage High plans fundraiser to replace beat-up instruments
Heritage High School student percussionists will perform a special fundraising concert Thursday in an effort to raise money to replace aging equipment.
Monday, June 7, 2010
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Student percussionists at Heritage High School are eager to beat their own drums — and play the marimbas and keyboard, too — in a special performance to raise money for some sorely needed instruments.
If you go
• What: Heritage High School Percussion Night.
• Who: Student percussionists plus Gary Hobbs.
• When: 7 p.m. Thursday.
• Where: Heritage High School auditorium, 7825 N.E. 130th Ave.
• Cost: $10; $30 for a family of four.
• Information: http://www.heritagehsbands.org.
Students will perform several percussion pieces, including some they have composed.
Gary Hobbs, a veteran professional drummer and Vancouver resident who has played with the Stan Kenton Orchestra and many top acts, will play some solo pieces and jam with student players.
Heritage musicians have shined in many state and local contests, even in Clark County, where music programs have long enjoyed solid support and the competition is fierce.
But school equipment needs have gone unmet during recent budget challenges. Heritage needs about $20,000 to replace badly worn marching drums, keyboard instruments and other items that have aged enough to affect performance.
A competitive gap with other bands is magnified by the school’s large low-income population. For many students, it can even be a struggle to buy new drumsticks, said Mary Murray, a Heritage percussion instructor.
For any donor willing to pay for purchase of a particular drum, the school will affix a permanent name plaque on the equipment, Murray said.
