Donations sought for Loyal Music Department timpani fundraiser

By Valorie Brecht The Loyal High School Music Department is seeking the community’s help with a fundraiser that promises to have a resounding impact in the lives of future young musicians. The department is raising money to purchase a new set of timpani, or four drums.

“Our current set of timpani were purchased in 1967 and are showing their age. We are also hosting the Cloverbelt All-Conference Band and Choir next year, so we want to make sure we have good working equipment,” wrote Loyal band director Shaylee Croxall in an email.

A new set of timpani costs about $14,340, no small amount to raise. However, the music department has several plans in the works to help chip in to that cost.

The music department will be part of the school district’s annual CTE (Career and Technical Education) and Fine Arts Night, held March 26 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the high school gym. This night will showcase students who are a part of the band, choir, art, Spanish, foods, business and agriculture programs at Loyal.

As part of the night, students will host a silent auction, art auction and basket raffle. The auctions will feature pieces by local students as well as from the community. Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to donate pieces to either of the auctions or to the basket raffle. Suggested donations include handmade artwork, clothing, outdoor gear, home decor items, or goods and services from a business (i.e. a gift certificate). Other ideas are themed baskets such as craft supplies, toys, a movie night basket with snacks and DVDs, a spa basket with lotion and other personal care items, or a camping basket with s’more supplies. All donations are welcome and there is no minimum monetary value to donate. “It can really be anything. If there are community artists, they would be more than welcome to also submit art for the art auction,” wrote Croxall.

To donate, people should contact the high school office at 715-255-8511 or Croxall at 715-255-8552 ext. 1122 or scroxall@loyal. k12.wi.us, to arrange a time to drop off donations.

Donors will be recognized with their names in the programs for school concerts. If anyone donates a large amount, their name will be engraved on a plaque that will be put on the drums to honor their donation.

The event will also include a cake walk. Members of the public are welcome to donate baked goods. Contact Croxall at scroxall@loyal.k12.wi.us for more details.

People are also encouraged to mark March 26 on their calendar and make plans to attend to enjoy seeing the work of Loyal High School students. Students will have their projects or artwork on display. The Loyal High School Jazz Band and Loyal Middle School Jazz Band will perform, as well as a number of solos, duets and other small groups.

Croxall hopes members of the community will consider being a part of promoting strong arts programs in Loyal.

“The Loyal band program has had a history of excellence and has had a big impact on the lives of many students and families in this community,” Croxall wrote. “The band program is continuing to grow every year and the students are excelling and growing as musicians as well. Supporting this endeavor allows us to provide our students with better working instruments and equipment that will help them continue that history of excellence and build on what they have already learned.”