Apache Band needs ‘mightier’ uniforms

Boosters hope to raise funds to replace 17-year-old garb

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GONZALES — They are there to support the football team, support the community, contribute in various parades and even perform in front of an audience of all ages. Now, the Mighty Apache Band is in need of support themselves.

The Apache Band Boosters have pushed to replace their uniforms and, after the Gonzales ISD school board passed a motion to pay for half of the costs, the boosters are now continuing their efforts to raise enough money to get rid of their worn-out wardrobe.

“Our uniforms are literally falling apart at the seams,” Margie Kenning, vice president of the Apache Band Boosters said. “We originally thought they were 14 years old. Come to find out, they’re actually 17 years old. We’re supposed to replace uniforms every 10 years, so we’re already seven years overdue.”

The uniforms, which are held up by tape and safety pins, are indeed older than the students who are wearing them. However, the conditions aren’t the only reason for the fundraising efforts.

“We’re not going to have enough,” Kenning explained. “Even if we wanted to use these, there are not enough uniforms to cover everyone in the next school year.”

By her estimates, the band will crescendo from 90 to 150 students. The Mighty Apache Band is projected to grow even more after that, with the current seventh-grade group even bigger than the eighth graders.

“We might be hitting close to 200 in two years,” the vice president warned. “The numbers aren’t there, we just don’t have enough [uniforms].”

There are many ways for community members to support the band. One way is to simply send money to the boosters.

“We are asking for donations from businesses, alumni, every-day people,” Kenning said. “If you want to donate $50 we will take it. We do bake sales. We haven’t scheduled any yet, but we may have some car washes. We do have a silent auction that coincides with our Spring concert. We did one for Christmas, it went over really well. We had a bake sale/auction and we raised over $2,000 over two days. It was really great.”

The budget for new uniforms was initially set at $85,000. However, the current leader in the bids — though it should be noted that as of press time the order hasn’t been placed yet — is set for close to $73,000. Gonzales ISD will pay for half, and with the boosters already raising over $20,000, Kenning has a goal of raising another $16,000 to buy their uniforms.

Instead of current three-layered garb involving the bibber (kind of like overalls), tuxedo jacket and a wool-blend overlay, the new uniforms are much cooler and thinner.

“I believe it’s a polyester blend, so it won’t be as hot,” Kenning said. “You’ll have the bibber and the jacket, no overlay.”

Kenning went on to talk about measurements, explaining that the uniforms are completely adjustable, so the band won’t have to hem, tape and safety pin uniforms together to make it work.

Those interested in supporting by writing a check can do so by mailing one to PO Box 513, Gonzales, Texas 78629, with the memo “Uniform fundraiser,” making it out to Apache Band Boosters.

Currently, the Mighty Apache Band is set to perform at the new gym at Gonzales High on May 14 and May 15, both at 6 p.m. the May 14 performance will be by the high school band while the May 15 performance will be a Gonzales Junior High and North Avenue concert.

There’s also a bake sale taking place this Saturday, March 24, from 8 a.m. – noon or sold out at Tractor Supply.

“I know people want to help, they just need to know how,” Kenning said.

Support doesn’t have to just be monetary. Kenning also encourages band parents to join the booster club.

“Parents of sixth-grade band students to 12th grade band students are welcomed to join the Apache Band Boosters,” she said.

The adage “look good feel good” can’t be overstated. These band members need the uniforms. For all of their efforts supporting the community, whether it’s playing at red ribbon cuttings, cheering on the football team or even performing during the Come and Take It parade, the kids deserve the upgrade to their attire.

Margie Kenning is available to contact for more information at her home phone: 830-672-2291.

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