The silent auction didn’t live up to its name.
Juneau-Douglas High School’s jazz band performed while folks perused auction items and baked goods Thursday evening. Freshman Toby Russell and senior Dakota Morgan took to the mic to croon holiday tunes wearing light-up jackets that were loud in their own way.
“I’ll be channeling Josh Grobin as much as possible,” Morgan said before the show.
[30 Juneau students earn all-state honors for band, choir and orchestra]
The silent auction, bake sale and jazz show were a prelude to a larger winter performance featuring the JDHS band, choir and orchestra. They were also a way to raise money for the bands’ booster club.
The evening’s fundraising efforts were organized by the new Crimson Bear Band Boosters. Booster Club President Percy Frisby said the parent organization started about two months ago as a way to defray band costs.
“We keep getting budget cuts every year,” Frisby said.
The silent auction items were donated by local businesses, including Chef Stef, Coppa, Cycle Alaska, Gastineau Guiding, Heritage Coffee Roasting Co., Nugget Alaskan Outfitters, Restorative Wellness, The Rookery, Eaglecrest Ski Area, Glacier Salt Cave & Spa, Papa John’s Pizza and The Gym.
“It’d be nice if we got to the point that we could cover the instruments,” Frisby said.
There not many local options for renting band instruments.
Booster club secretary and treasurer Noëlle Gangle said that’s the dream. Gangle said many instruments are in need of repairs, too.
Band director Amy Bibb said the support for the pep band, jazz band, orchestra, choir, wind ensemble and concert band is appreciated.
Gangle said helping to defray costs of upcoming trips to Sitka and Ketchikan for music festivals and basketball regionals were some of the club’s more immediate goals.
“We want to be sitting in a position where if there’s something our kids should be participating in, we can say, ‘Yeah, no problem,’” Frisby said.
Gangle said anyone interested in helping the Crimson Bear Band Boosters could email her at NoelleBrenon@yahoo.com.
• Contact arts and culture reporter Ben Hohenstatt at (907)523-2243 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com.
• Contact arts and culture reporter Ben Hohenstatt at (907)523-2243 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com.
Students with the Juneau-Douglas High School Concert Band play during a holiday music concert at JDHS on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Students with the Juneau-Douglas High School Concert Band play during a holiday music concert at JDHS on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
