How many teenagers do you know who willingly get up by 5 a.m. four mornings a week to arrive at school for early rehearsals and then put in an additional 10 or more hours each week for more rehearsal and performances?
Those dedicated teenagers would be the 93 members of this year’s Red Mountain High School Marching Pride. This group of devoted musicians, under the direction of Jennifer Hamilton, Red Mountain High School’s new band director, is working hard on this year’s show entitled After the Rain.
The band attends all the Red Mountain football games plus other spirit events, and is eagerly anticipating the upcoming competitive season. Last year, the band qualified for the Arizona State Marching Band Championships, placing first in their division at the Fiesta Bowl Marching Band Invitational. The group also participated in the annual Seal Beach Christmas parade, in California.
This year, the band is raising funds for a return trip to California in December and also to support the band program. The Red Mountain Band Booster Association (a 501(c)(3) organization) is hosting the band’s annual fund-raising event on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m., in conjunction with Outback Steakhouse, located on Clearview Ave., in Mesa.
The Outback Dinner, on the campus of Red Mountain High School, has been a tradition for more than 10 years. Guests enjoy steak or chicken, which is grilled on site. Also on the menu are sides, cheesecake and a beverage. In addition, attendees are treated to music provided by members of the school’s band program.
This year’s event also will include a silent auction and raffle drawing for several amazing prizes. General admission tickets for adults are $20 each, and VIP tickets are $30 each. Child and student tickets are also available.
Anyone interested in attending the dinner or making a donation to support the band, please contact Dani Guthrie by email at daniguthrie@yahoo.com.