HHS Band Boosters return to fundraising after long pandemic hiatus

HUNTLEY – As summer rolls around, the Huntley High School Band Boosters are gearing up to host their biggest fundraiser of the year. During the first week of June, students in the marching band will perform their instruments outside local businesses to fund their upcoming trip to St. Louis.

St. Louis is hosting Bands of America this year, where the Huntley High marching band will perform. The fundraiser’s main goal is to raise money for the trip, but they also use the funds for other expenses, such as paying for meals at band camp.

This type of fundraiser, dubbed TAG Days, is traditional among bands because it allows the members to offer their music to the community as a way to raise awareness for their cause. This way, the passers-by can listen to an endearing soundtrack during their shopping, and this entertainment may help them realize music is important to them and that these students are worth supporting.

“The cool thing about this fundraiser is you really get the kids involved,” said fundraiser volunteer Deanna Reeves. “They get to do what they love and share that love with the community.”

Fundraising efforts have been halted since 2019, due to the coronavirus pandemic, but now that events are returning, so too are the campaigns to raise money for their respective extra-curricular activities. The band program has suffered losses in numbers, due to the difficulty of participating in a band practice over Zoom, so the estimated funds raised will be lower than previous years.

The high school’s marching band members will be performing outside the following businesses: Jewel-Osco, Dunkin Donuts, Walmart, Culver’s, Parkside, Rookie’s, Costa’s, Butcher on the Block, and 7/11.

If you don’t encounter any of the Huntley High School Band Boosters in person, but still wish to donate, consider contacting them at [email protected] or by sending a donation to: PO Box 504, Huntley, IL 60142.