Submitted photo Members of the Buckhannon-Upshur Band hold up letters thanking the Foundation for Better Schools in Upshur County for two grants it recently awarded to the band. The grants totaled $4,197.38 , which will go toward purchasing new technology and the replacement of musical instruments.

TENNERTON — The Buckhannon-Upshur High School Band recently received two grants totaling $4,197.38 from the Upshur County Foundation for Better Schools.

The first grant was for new technology and will be used to purchase a public address system and a new portable generator. The second grant is for the replacement of musical instruments, including a new marimba for the percussion section of the band, and new equipment. 

“Many of our instruments are around a decade old and damaged from use,” said B-U Band Director Tyler Perske. “Currently the band does not own a small portable generator to help with the amplification of music at band camp. This single item will make our practices and performances away from school much easier.”

Applications for the grants were presented to the Foundation for Better Schools by the Buckhannon-Upshur Band Boosters earlier this summer. The Foundation reviewed the application and determined that old and outdated equipment needed to be replaced.

“With our county losing funding from the levy not passing, those grants are going to make a significant difference to the band this year,” said JoLynn Powers, Treasurer of the Buckhannon-Upshur Band Boosters. “One of the organizations that got money from the levy was the band. And the loss of the levy has not only caused the band, but other organizations like the football team and the soccer teams, to have to look for ways to pay for things, like transportation, new equipment, and new uniforms. So we are thankful that the Upshur County Foundation for Better Schools awarded us those grants.”

The Buckhannon-Upshur Band’s first public performance of the new school year will be during the  football teams’ home-opening game on Friday. 

“We encourage everyone to come out and support our student band members,” Powers said. “It is with the support of local organizations like the Foundation for Better Upshur County Schools that Buckhannon-Upshur High School will be able to continue a tradition of providing arts education and opportunities in our community.”

The Buckhannon-Upshur Band will hold a chicken burn conducted by Buck Edwards before the football team’s home opener Friday against Philip Barbour. The chicken burn will be from 5-6:30 p.m. and dinners can be picked up in the grass at the B-UHS Loop. 

Each meal will include chicken, baked beans, baked potato and a drink. Pre-orders can be placed at wvbbqchicken@gmail.com. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Sept. 20 before the home contest against Elkins.

To make a donation to the B-U Band, send a tax-deductible check to B-U Band Boosters, C/O Daya Wright, 12 N. Kanawha Street, Buckhannon WV 26201. For more information, visit the Buckhannon-Upshur High School Bands Facebook page.