Franklin Regional band members kick off fundraising for 2023 Hawaii trip

Students learn about the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor in history class, but setting foot on the grounds where it took place can be quite a different experience.

Members of the Franklin Regional Panther Marching Band have begun fundraising for just such a trip – they plan to take part in the 2023 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii.

“We’ll take time during the trip to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, and learn about the indigenous people of Hawaii,” said FR Band Boosters President Selena Barefoot. “It’s really a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience for students in the band.”

The band will be part of three performances, including the American Musical Salute Tribute performance at the USS Missouri, the site of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The band also will perform during the opening ceremony of the parade and along the parade route.

In the meantime, students and boosters are working to offset the cost of the trip, starting with the band’s annual fruit sale. Orders will be taken both in-person through Oct. 31, and online through Nov. 4 at FreshFruitOrder.org/frband. Supporters can order a wide variety of citrus fruits, apples and pears.

Students are also taking their own initiatives. Barefoot said senior Macon Bishop and sophomore Noah Zimmerman organized an apple sale at the district’s recent homecoming bonfire, and band section leaders are working on other fundraiser ideas.

“We’re eager to see what they come up with and love seeing them take the lead,” Barefoot said.

In addition, local Allstate Insurance representative Chris Tomley is working with band officials to apply for an Allstate Foundation grant. If approved, band members would complete community service work as one of the grant conditions.

“We were already looking for community engagement opportunities, and feeling the support from local businesses in the planning stages has been very encouraging,” Barefoot said.

Below, see the band’s 2022 halftime performance:

One thing the band will not be able to use for this trip is a tractor trailer to transport equipment.

“Luckily, we’ve made contact with local universities in Honolulu to provide rental equipment for the trip,” Barefoot said. “We’re also very thankful for the experience of the Hempfield Area band in Hawaii, and they’re helping with our logistics challenges.”

Other upcoming fundraisers will include a wreath sale in November, a stadium revue show Nov. 29, online raffles, a spring gala, an alumni event and a coffee sale. Barefoot said the estimated cost per student is $1,550 not including airfare.

For updates and fundraiser information, see FRband.com.