Livermore High Cowboy Band on the March for New Uniforms

During the month of December, Livermore residents will notice posters showing up 
in downtown merchant windows in support of the Livermore High School Cowboy 
Marching Band’s New Uniforms Fundraiser. The LHS Cowboy Band’s fundraising goal is $25,000.

“Everyone I speak with is surprised to learn that the LHS band uniforms are 17 years old,” notes Charity Shehtanian, the current treasurer for the LHS Cowboy Band Boosters. “These students, and future music students that will follow, represent our local musicians of the future. We are fortunate to live in a community like Livermore that strongly supports music and the arts. For that reason, we believe our fundraising goal is attainable. If each Livermore resident donated just a few dollars, we can reach our fundraising goal of $25,000. We believe our community will rally to help. It is just a matter of getting the message out there.”

According to Debbie Hadsel, President of the LHS Cowboy Band Boosters, “The current uniforms are worn and the shoes are falling apart and can no longer be repaired. Due to budget cuts, there is no longer district funding for band activities, new uniforms, new instruments or instrument repair.” 

A number of Livermore businesses have joined the cause by hosting donation jars in their establishments to benefit the LHS Cowboy Band’s New Uniform Fund. Residents can stop by one of these merchants to donate: ABC Music Source, Beer Baron, Casse Croute Bakery, Donut Wheel, First Street Wine Company, Panama Red, Riata Diner and Tavern, Swirl on the Square, Tap 25 Craft Beer, and The Winemaker’s Pour House. P.O. Box and URL addresses are listed at the end of the article for mail or online donations.

Mr. Alberto Solorzano, Principal of Livermore High School has high praise for the 
Music Program.

“The Livermore High School Music Program is a vital component 
to the development of the whole student and completion of requirements necessary for graduation and college admission. Research proves that the brain of a student who studies music works differently than that of a non-musician. When you play an instrument, you have to use more of your brain, thus creating more opportunities to take on more challenging courses. Many of our students continue to study music well after high school while others are much more prepared for the rigors of college. Our band students represent the LHS music program at athletic contests, perform at local charities and competitions around the Bay Area. We are extremely proud of our students and their dedication to making music and sharing it with our community.”

The LHS Cowboy Band Boosters is 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization formed in 1991 with the purpose of raising money to support annual band activities such as marching competitions, participation in the Holiday and Rodeo parades, and more. Surplus funds, when available, are put into a New Uniform Fund. However after 17 years, only half the money needed for new uniforms has been set aside. Changes in funding have made it more difficult to save for the new uniforms, so the band is actively trying to raise funds to meet this goal. 

Donations may also be mailed to the LHS Cowboy Band Boosters, P.O. Box 1171, 
Livermore, CA 94551, or donate online at https://squareup.com/market/livermore-high-school-cowboy-band-boosters. We will be happy to send you a tax deductible receipt.

Follow our fundraising progress by liking us on Facebook at Friends of the Marching 
Bands.