Rye High School seeks donations in effort to rebuild marching band

RYE, Colo. (KRDO) -- It has been 15 years since Rye High School has had a field marching band.

Music Director Ian Watson is rebuilding the program from scratch and hopes to eventually return to the band's 1A championship status. For that to happen, the band is going to need some help.

The program does not currently have the 40 uniforms that are necessary for the band, as cost is prohibitive for the small town school. District 70 says fundraising efforts are in place and the school has secured $3,000 of the $23,000 the band needs.

“I want to create awareness for the rebuilding of the Rye music program and hope to receive financial aid for the students to have a uniform that represents themselves, the staff and students at Rye High School, and to represent the Rye Community to the rest of the state. We currently do not have a standard uniform for the students to wear to competitions and festivals,” Watson said.

To outfit the band with the 40 helmets and 40 plumes, the cost is approximately $3,000 and the 40 uniform cost about $500 each, District 70 said.

The district said the school is continuing to fundraise but is also actively seeking monetary donations to help secure the uniforms and equipment the band needs.

According to District 70, donations can be made directly to Rye High School, 8083 Highway 165 Rye, CO 81069.