Bradwell Institute’s Tiger Marching Band earned superior ratings in music, visual and general effect at the Coastal Empire Classic Oct. 12 at Effingham County High School.
The competition included Statesboro, McIntosh County Academy, Glynn Academy and Hardaway High School, according to BI director Jeremy Fermin.
“Superior is the highest possible rating,” he said, adding the Tiger Marching Band finished second overall in its division. “Our drum major, Michael Chessier, received best in division drum major. Our color guard was second in division and third overall at the competition.”
Fermin said South Effingham, Brunswick and Richmond Hill also competed in other divisions with Richmond Hill finishing as the grand champions.
“This was the first time in recent memory that the band received superior ratings ... The last time, we think, BI got superiors was in 2008,” Fermin said.
Band members continue to work toward buying new uniforms and recently had two fundraising drawings. Thursday, the band recognized the winners. Nicole Gilbert received a Kindle Fire. Sgt. Maj. (ret.) Michael David won a $100 gift card.
Kathy Atkins, president of the BI Band Booster Club, said the drawings were among several recent activities to raise money for uniforms.
She said she was proud of the superior ratings, adding she attended the competition and noticed that most, if not all, of the other bands had new, bright uniforms. She said competition judges take appearance into consideration.
“We held a fundraiser at Pizza Hut,” she said. “We’ve sold souvenirs. We had and continue to run a sponsorship drive. And, starting today, you can order cases of sodas from us to raise funds.”
Atkins said fundraisers will continue until they reach the $37,500 goal.
David listened as Atkins talked and said his daughter’s high school band faced the same dilemma years ago.
“I’ll donate the price of one uniform to the school, seeing what my daughter experienced, the expenses she had to pay while she was in school … I can understand what they are going through, and it’s the least I can do,” David said.
Atkins said she’s been overwhelmed by the support the band has received from the community and some band parents.
Jessica and Joe Benavides have two sons playing for the Tiger Band and a third son in a middle school band.
“We told them that if they reached the goal of $11,500, I would give them $1,000 to make it $12,500,” Joe Benavides said. “If they make another $5,000 then I would give them $2,000 and if they reached $24,500 I would give them $3,000. I have a vested interest in this.”
The band has met Benavides’ first goal.
For more information, visit: bradwellband.com
Or send donations to:
Attention Bradwell Band Boosters
P.O. Box 1643 Hinesville, GA 31310