The bands of Newberry Middle and High School have an exciting and proud tradition and past.

From the days of Lorraine Paris, long time teacher and band director of Newberry High School to the present, the Newberry Bands have been a part of this community.

The new Newberry Middle School Band director is starting an instrument and equipment drive called “Building the Band” to help cement and build a bright future for the band program.

Newberry Middle School Band Director John Fulmer is seeking to draw on the energy and pride of this community to help support the middle school band.

Fulmer is asking the community to look through their storage units, attics, and family homes for gently used band instruments.

Fulmer explains that if the Newberry Middle School band were to receive around 20 to 25 instruments in good condition, every student who wants to play in band, even despite a lack of financial resources at home, can participate in the band and have a quality, operating instrument in their hands.

Often, with some sweat equity, a band instrument that hasn’t been used in 10 or 20 years can be brought to excellent operating condition.

There is also a need to replace and build the inventory of some of the larger school-owned instruments such as low brass and percussion equipment.

If there are any businesses or individuals in the community wishing to partner with Newberry Middle School and the band program, any amount of monetary donations will be accepted and appreciated.

Fulmer can be reached by at Newberry Middle School at 321-2640 and any contributions of instruments or donations can be sent or brought to the school at 125 O’Neal St. in Newberry.