Lawrence Band Raising Dollars for Roses

Writer  /  Matt Keating

The Marching Parade of Lawrence Township (MPLT) could use your help.

The MPLT is set to perform at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 2, 2017, as one of only 21 national marching bands to showcase their talents.

However, to cover travel, hotel, meals and other expenses, the MPLT will need to come up with $800,000. They have raised $150,000 so far.

Lawrence North Band Director Tom Wallis said they still have a long way to go, even though the MPLT has been working hard to raise funds.4

“The kids have been performing at businesses and performing musical combos to get donations,” Wallis said. “We are trying to be as visible as possible.”

Over 250 students will be representing both the MSD of Lawrence Township and the state Indiana at The Rose Bowl.

So far, they have visited and performed at George’s Restaurant, Ace Hardware, Kroger, The Fort Harrison YMCA, Dairy Queen, Family Leisure and Bob Evans.

Wallis said Brad Ratliff, Rose Parade Director, also visited the students in April, which encouraged the kids to further their fundraising efforts.

The MPLT has also formed ‘MPLT’s Road to Pasadena’ campaign to raise the funds needed. Supporters can follow MPLT on Twitter and Instagram @MPLTBand. Followers can also keep up to date via Facebook under Marching Pride of Lawrence Township.

“They cleaned up Lawrence Park as part of their outreach work and were able to get people to notice their efforts to raise money for the trip of a lifetime,” Wallis said.

The MPLT is a joint effort between Lawrence Central High School and Lawrence North High School. With a combined township-wide school marching band, they can compete at both the state (Indiana State Music Association) and national (Bands of America) levels.

The program is directed by Wallis; Randy Greenwell, chairman of the Performing Arts Department and Band Director at Lawrence Central; Glen Hauger, a band director at Lawrence North; and Matthew James, the Performing Arts Director and a Band Director at Lawrence Central.

5Zoe Magill, a junior and drum major at Lawrence North High School, said she is excited about the trip.

“The furthest I have been away is Iowa,” Magill said. “People have been generous, but we need all the help we can get.”

If you would like to make a donation by check, make the check payable to The Lawrence Township School Foundation (Nite Pride to Pasadena in the memo line) and forward to 6501 Sunnyside Rd., Indianapolis, 46236.

For donation information, contact Cori Korn at corikorn@msdlt.k.12.in.us or 317-423-8202. You can text to donate at the number 72727 with the message MPLT.

“Any amount will assist in offering a student this opportunity of a lifetime,” Wallis said.

For additional information on the band’s participation in the Rose Parade and to learn other ways to support these students, visit PrideToPasadena.org.

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