APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Nestled near the entrance of the Appleton East football field is a table full of beads. They’re red, white and blue, which signals an exciting once in a lifetime chance for the high school band.
“Just to think that in my lifetime I probably wouldn’t have done it anyways but so early, and also because of something I’m passionate about, it’s absolutely insane,” Appleton East sophomore Avianna Akers said.
Akers and the rest of Appleton East’s band have been asked to represent the U.S. as the official music ensemble… in Normandy, France.
The band is one of five chosen in the entire country. They’ll play at a D-Day memorial parade on June 6, 2020.
“I was so excited. All of our hard work has paid off. I was just very excited. It’s a huge thing,” Senior Christina Dailey said.
There’s a family atmosphere with the band. That means no one gets left behind.
Appleton East Band Director Margaret LaFleur tells FOX 11 it also means 200 kids have to pay $3,600 each.
“Shipping instruments alone is $40,000 dollars. Anyone who’s flown you know you pay extra for a bag that’s overweight or over-sized or odd-sized.”
That means the band is doing some serious fundraising.
LaFleur says selling beads is just one fundraiser they will be doing to raise money for their trip.
“Each one of these students comes back with a story to tell and vision to share. And that doesn’t end. It doesn’t end with this one child. It goes and permeates the community.”
She says they do have some help…
“We have an anonymous donor, who will match all donated funds for this trip.”
But they need more because many parents are trying to send one, two or even three gets on the trip– and it adds up fast.
“Any donation is welcome, there’s no donation that’s too small to help these kids go on this trip,” LaFleur said.
You can find information on donating here.
