Fundraiser provides new equipment to Onalaska High School Marching Band

ONALASKA, Wis. (WEAU) - The Onalaska High School Marching Band is preparing for the next school year after receiving multiple upgrades through a fundraiser.

The fundraiser, which began three years ago, has now reached its goal of $75,000.

The funding provided the marching band with a new 40-foot trailer, a completely new drumline, and a wide range of additional equipment to support students and the band’s programming.

Band director Robert Coe says this solves many issues, including having students with no instruments.

“Our priority was to make sure that we added equipment to our program so that we could include those students to be part of the program we have,” Coe says.

He says old equipment can now also be replaced.

“We had a specific instrument that was over 20 years old. We put new frames on it, and it was just getting to the point where it had to be replaced and updated,” Coe says.

Coe adds students have been excited to see the updated instruments.

“They look forward to when the new equipment arrives. I think it gives them some ownership over it and also a sense of how important they are to our school and community that people will give back to our program so they can continue to perform,” Coe says.

Band directors say it is great to be in a community that supports the school’s and students’ needs.

“Onalaska definitely has a strong connection to the music programs. Even accomplishing this in three years is a huge feat. I know three years ago when I said we were going to do this in three years, people looked at me like I was a little bit crazy, but here we are at the end and able to provide all of this for the students. We really thank the community for everything that they did to get us to this point,” Coe says.

Band directors say the upgrades help meet demand as well, as the band has increased from less than 100 students last year to 110 this year.