Marching band another step closer to trip

Lori Hammelman
Posted 3/21/18

It’s an honor reserved for the Rochelle Township High School Marching Band, chosen to represent the state of Illinois at the Veteran’s Day Weekend ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and members of the VFW District 6 wanted to show their support.

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Marching band another step closer to trip

Posted

ROCHELLE — It’s an honor reserved for the Rochelle Township High School Marching Band, chosen to represent the state of Illinois at the Veteran’s Day Weekend ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and members of the VFW District 6 wanted to show their support.
During the district meeting held at the Rochelle VFW Post 3878, Commander Bill Bumgarner presented Ron Duval RTHS Band Director/Music Dept. Chair with a $2,000 donation to help offset the costs of the trip.
Duval said it came as a surprise.
“I am very excited to receive this donation from the VFW,” Duval began. “I am hopeful that this will be the continuation of more organizations and businesses to jump on board!”
The band has a unique opportunity to participate in the “2018 Parade of Heroes — A Monumental Salute to the Veterans,” which will honor those who served during the three pivotal periods in the history of the U.S.:  World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. This year also marks the 75th Anniversary of WWII.
Duval said to date the donations and corporate sponsorships have reached about $8,000 toward the trip, although the band is still seeking funds to help further offset the cost estimated at about $840 per student.

Invitation

Duval said the invitation to represent the state of Illinois came in early 2017. In a sequence of events, including an administration change at RTHS, then-new Supt. Jason Harper and the board gave Duval their nod for the trip.
In a December News-Leader article written by Michael Chunko, Duval said “fundraising will be the key for RTHS’ participation in the event.”
“And for a lot of the monies that would be raised, we would likely rely on a lot of corporate sponsorship, not only in our area but elsewhere in the state. I’ve contacted state and federal legislators as well, the governor too,” Duval told Chunko.

Sponsorship opportunities
In an effort to help offset the cost of the trip, estimated at roughly $92,000, Duval has established several opportunities for community members, businesses, and corporations to help the students participate.
These include:  Sponsoring a student with a pledge or a check up to $200; for each $200 pledge or check, each person would receive a special designed t-shirt emblazoned with the name(s) of the proud sponsors. The front of the shirt would feature the commemorative design reflecting the 75th anniversary and the date. Family sponsorship for $200 in memory of a veteran who served also includes the specially designed t-shirt.
Corporate sponsorships are also available with naming rights on the marching band banner or trailer display.
All donations are tax-deductible.
For more information or to financially support the RTHS Marching Band’s trip to Washington, DC, please contact Ron Duval at the high school, 815-562-4161 or through email at rduval@rthsd212.org. Checks can be sent to:  Rochelle “Hub” Marching Band, Rochelle Township High School, 1401 Flagg Rd., Rochelle, IL 61068.