For over one hundred years, the University of Connecticut Marching Band has embodied the spirit and pride surrounding many of UConn’s storied athletic contests.
Now that the Huskies have joined the upper echelon of college football as a member of the Big East Conference, the UCMB looks to enlarge its resources and upgrade its stature as ambassadors of the University, and you can help.
Donations to the UCMB play a crucial role in the creation of the Band. Contributions are the source for the large capital needs of the band such as uniforms, Sousaphones, and other "big ticket" purchases. The Band is currently in the second year of a drive for funds for new uniforms, as its current uniforms will see their fifteenth year of service this coming fall! (Normal life expectancy is 8 to 10 years). The new uniforms need to be purchased soon to be debuted for use in 2008!
The other use of contributions is to provide things that will make the experience of the band better for its members. Examples include funding exhibition performances, making the band banquet more affordable, or providing awards for outstanding members. In short, to do the extra things that make being in the band a great experience.
Certain times, a contributer may have a special interest in a particular aspect of the band. For instance, an alumni trombone player might want to donate a trombone to the band so someone who needs an instrument will be able to play on that horn. The UCMB is currently setting up an endowment so a donor could have an instrument or piece of equipment that would bear his/her name in perpetuity.
A long time goal is to provide scholarships for UCMB members. Thinking on the grand scale, an endowment of two million dollars would provide every junior and senior in the band a "scholarship" of $1000 a year. That is a big wish, but the idea has to start somewhere!
On a more immediate and realistic level, gifts of small amounts add up quickly. The UCMB is careful to make sure that money goes straight to expenses that immediately benefit band members. For example, using donations to provide seat covers for the stands--it might seem like a frill, but cold, wet seats are no fun in November! Seat covers would also extend the wear of the uniforms because they would not to be rubbing on aluminum seats all the time. Having a fund that can supply extras like a warm hat for those November games will keep the band looking uniform while staying comfortable on those cold November nights.
Gifts of any level make a real difference. Please contact Dr. David Mills if you have a specific purpose you would like to help with!
Portions of this from the UConn Foundation Website. |
