Maui High’s Band is Headed to a Prestigious Competition, But they Need Help Getting There

The Maui High School marching band is invited to perform at the Western Band Association’s Conquistador Classic next month in Chino, California.

The competition, a Maui High School press release stated, will feature “some of the best bands in California and neighboring states.”

But as Maui High’s band director Kerry Wasano explained, the group learned just last month that the company that usually sponsored costs to ship their instruments and equipment could no longer help them.

“We scrambled to make alternate shipping arrangements,” Wasano said.

“While we have been offered generous discounts, we are still facing a large shipping expense that threatens the progress we have made in our fundraising efforts.”

Those efforts involved at least one fundraiser each month since January.

Students and their families have sold pizza, kalua pig, hamburger steak plates, baked goods, and ads for the band’s spring concert. The band has also participated in multiple events and performed throughout the island to raise funds.

“Most of Maui High students come from families in Kahului and Kīhei, some work several jobs to maintain their household,” Wasano added.

To avoid any financial burden on their families, the band has organized an online “Peer to Peer” donation campaign.

Each student is sending out appeals for their personal fundraising page, which will remain open until Oct. 31.

The band, which plans to take 123 students to the competition, has to raise $50,000 by the end of the month.

Donations can be made here or on the Maui High School band website. Checks can also be made out to the Maui High Band Booster Club and mailed to 660 S. Lono Ave, Kahului, HI 96732.