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Date: January 21, 2009 2:57:09 PM EST
To: scott@musicforall.org
Dear Marian band alum:
This is the first opportunity that I have had to address so many of you at one time.
The very first thing that I would like to do is to thank each of you for the great joy you have
brought to me by your participation in the band at Marian. You may never know how rich
you have made my heart. I would also like to thank you for the part you have played in
the development of the band at Marian. You helped to create a gift to every "band generation"
that followed you in the band and to those yet to come to Marian Catholic. Your hard work
and dedication have had a profound impact on Marian as well. I believe that the band you
helped to build has made Marian a richer, prouder, more successful place. At the very
least you have helped to spread the good name of Marian Catholic from coast to coast
and beyond. It has been my incredibly good fortune to be able to remain here at Marian
to continue to benefit from your gifts and to watch as countless young people have benefited
from the band that you helped to create. Mere thanks are not enough, but they will have to suffice.
Now to the real reason for the timing of this communication - A major factor in the great
success and growth of the band program at Marian (along with the hard work and dedication
of our students throughout the years) has been the Bands of America organization.
Whether it was called Marching Bands of America (as with our old Summer national activities)
or Bands of America, or most recently Music for All, BOA was there during all of those years.
BOA provided Marian with activities where we could be challenged by performing with,
and being compared to, the very best among our nation's bands. BOA created venues
where our students could be rewarded with great, appreciative audiences that were
commensurate with, and a reward for, their (your) hard work. In truth, Bands of America
has played a great role in the development of bands all over America.
HERE IT IS - Bands of America is in a severe financial crisis. A combination of different factors,
not the least of which is the current national financial trouble, has put BOA in a “do or die”
situation. Basically, they have until the end of February to raise $250,000 or they face
closing their doors. They have developed a plan to enlist the aid of "BOA alumni" - those
students (more than a million) who have experienced (and benefited from) BOA.
I am enclosing a link to the BOA campaign site in the GREAT HOPE THAT YOU WILL
VISIT IT, READ ABOUT THE SPECIFICS AND CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION.
http://www.bands.org/alumni/index.html
Connie and I have made a substantial donation and I am asking that you join us in
"paying back" for what we have so richly received. Even $10 will be of help.
The important thing is to give if you can and to share this note with other Marian Band alumni
so that we can join together to help ensure that BOA can continue the reach more students
for years to come.
Thank you so much for your help and by the way, I'd love to hear how you are doing!
Greg Bimm
Director of Bands
Marian Catholic High School
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