WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioBudget cuts take a toll on an American high school tradition

Budget cuts take a toll on an American high school tradition

CANFIELD, Ohio - An American tradition was on display Tuesday night, but during a time of budget cuts, some bands are feeling the pinch.

Marching, drumming, and dancing to the beat.

High school students from Canfield, Boardman, Poland, Austintown Fitch, Struthers and West Branch High Schools stepped onto Cardinal Stadium Field Tuesday night, making much more than music.

Spencer Saylor, Canfield High School senior drum major,  said "You learn so much.  So many qualities that you can take through your life.  You meet so many friends.  All of my friends are in band.  It's just so much fun."

"I'm captain so responsibility is the biggest thing I've got out fo this and it's a lot of fun," said Karlie Bevan, Austintown Fitch High School color guard captain.

Austintown Fitch color guard co-captain Janell Verdream said "I really get a sense of patriotism through color guard too because what we do is important."

To march out on the field it takes more than practice, passion, and memorizing your steps.  It also takes money.

"Well unfortunately with the levy not passing at Canfield, the board of education has cut the band from going to away football games from their budget so the band just plays for the home games now," said Bob Ward, a Canfield band parent.

The kids will get to perform at one away game in Poland.

Also new this year, each student has to pay $50 to be in band.

"We used to go on annual band trips, but because of family budget concerns and school concerns, we have cut that down to semi-annual band trips," Ward said.

With the cost of uniforms at $300 a piece, and instruments ranging from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars, Canfield band parents continue to do fundraisers like this 37th annual Showcase of Bands to provide additional money to what the board of education gives.

"Band has given me a lot of leadership skills that I'm definitely going to use past high school and it has also swayed my career decision because after high school I'm going to be majoring in piano performance," said Hayley Ward, Canfield High School junior drum major.

Lessons that in some parents eyes are priceless.