High School Band to Run for Instruments

The Marching Band is hoping to pump up the music in town while putting some mileage on their running shoes.

They're hosting a 5K road race in downtown North Andover on May 12 to raise money for new instruments.

Registration costs $30 and all proceeds go toward the $30,000 fundraising goal. So far, fundraising efforts and direct donations have amassed $10,700.

Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to sign up. There will be music, refreshments, t-shirts and more.

Visit www.NAMA5K.com to register for the race.

The North Andover Music Association is also sponsoring a "Rhythm of the Knights" raffle with prizes of $500, $300 and $200, and will be selling tickets at the March election, around town and at band events.

Visit NorthAndoverMusic.org to purchase tickets online.

“Most of the instruments and equipment being replaced are more than a decade old," said TJ Kelly, percussion instructor. "Ten years may not sound like much, but these instruments see constant use. Band members are practicing and performing on their instruments nearly seven days a week, 10 months of the year or more. Many students take their instruments home during the summer to keep practicing. This equipment is well-loved.” 

The Scarlet Knights Marching band had a staggering 97 students this year -- the largest amount in many years.

“Unfortunately, we lost a couple members simply because we didn’t have enough playable instruments,” said North Andover Music Association Treasurer Lisa Vayanos, co-chair of the Instrument Fundraising Drive.

There isn't enough money in the School Department budget to repair and replace many of the instruments so the North Andover Music Association has taken the initiative to raise $30,000 to help the cause.