“Think of it as tribal street drumming.”
That is how Vidal Tapia describes what the Munson Music Bucket Brigade does with used buckets, drum sticks and a lot of creativity.
“It’s actually pretty common in bigger cities like L.A. (Los Angeles, Calif.),” Tapia says. He is the leader and teacher of the brigade.
The group started last Christmas and Tapia says that the people just love it and kept on going with it.
“We have a set schedule,” Tapia says, “Wednesdays are rehearsal (after school).”
The group practices together forming a bond but they also enjoy doing things for the community.
Most recently, the bucket brigade has raised almost $500 in four days for the Free Medical Clinic of Newberry.
“The idea was brought to us by (Victoria Meetze) and we just took it on and ran with it,” says Tapia.
On Wednesday, the brigade went up and down Main Street asking for donations for the clinic in which they raised around $100 that one day.
The group also presented the contribution check at Oktoberfest on Saturday to the Free Medical Clinic and they will also show their support again at the clinic’s open house on Wednesday.
In addition to raising money, the brigade is also looking to helping spruce up the outside of the clinic that day after school lets out.
After the brigade performed at Oktoberfest, they walked around downtown asking for more donations for the clinic.
“Whatever tips we collect today goes towards the Free Medical Clinic,” Tapia stated.
The brigade is free for the students involved, which total 10 students of varying ages.
Meetze says the brigade is “a confidence builder for the kids and they associate with different people that they may not normally meet.”
“It gets the kids together and out of trouble,” she continues.
Tapia says that businesses such as Blue Moon and All Grace Hospice have “funded some of our madness.”
So far, 27 businesses have helped contribute to the brigade’s cause to help the free clinic.
Businesses range from across Newberry to Prosperity as well as families such as the Meetzes, McRackens, Ann and Wayne Folk and Lee McGinn.
Tapia appreciates the donations and the brigade will keep the beat going all over town.
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