GRAFTON — The Grafton High School marching band’s season begins Aug. 28 at Bailey Field, with students set to perform at home football games, compete in Richmond and raise money through TAG Day.
TAG Day, or “Thank a Giver” Day, helps fund band uniforms, music rights, choreography for marching drills and instrument replacements. The fundraiser is volunteer-run. During TAG Day, band members will go door to door asking for donations and offering a door hanger in return that also lists the band’s performance dates.
The band said the York County neighborhood that raises the most money will receive a free performance during the holiday season.
“TAG Day is important,” said Bryson Rader, a 10th grader who plays percussion in the band. “We need it for new uniforms and band equipment for our shows. Come to our performances and see how good we are.”
The theme for this year’s performance is “Caged,” which tells the story of a bird that is eventually freed. The show is directed by band directors Darren Kirsch and Gabe Stone.
“People come to this school; they pay to come out of other cities just so they can come to Grafton to be in the band,” said Christine Rader Moore, Grafton High School band publicity coordinator.
The band will perform at home football games Sept. 4, Oct. 2 and Oct. 8, all at 7 p.m. It also will compete Sept. 19 at Wanner Stadium and Sept. 26 at Hermitage High School in Richmond.
More information about TAG Day and ways to support the band is available at graftonband.com.
