Marple Newtown High School Band Parents and Alumni Reunite to Beef Up Funding

NEWTOWN SQUARE—Saturday, Aug. 13, was no ordinary fundraiser for (MNHS) Band. Not one student was there, and that was okay. MNHS Band Director Mike Masimo along with instructor (and MNHS alumni) Greg Gillin decided to put together a night for parents and band alumni that could beef up the funding for MNHS's many band programs. The evening was the first of hopefully many MNHS FUNraiser and Alumni Reunions.

"When the band started fundraising it was the only group fundraising 20 years ago so it was easy. Now everybody does fundraising because they need to; we looked for one-shot things so we don't keep pulling the kids in all different directions," said Masimo.

The MNHS band parents were excited about the idea of a beef and beer night, but wanted to do it as a 'parent' fundraiser, separate from the students. 

"You start to run out of fundraisers for organizations, when I was in the band we used to do hoagie drives, and we used to do fruit, and then car washes and you start to hit up people over and over again," described Gillin. Gillin believes an event like this one would be a nice change from the usual fundraisers.

Masimo also targeted alumni as other potential guests. He had set up a Facebook page for the event and received 20 confirmations within a day and a half. He also noticed there were a few other pages for the event, which made getting the word out a lot easier.

"We are hoping it turns a once a year reunion for all the people who have ever been in the [MNHS] band. So, it will grow and give people a chance to come back and see people they normally wouldn't see on a regular basis and the money just goes to the band," explained Gillin.

Though Gillin believes playing a musical instrument is important, it is much more than just participation. Gillin is one of three brothers who are all MNHS alumni. His eldest brother, Brian Gillin, is the president of the . The other Gillin brother, Doug, heads up the local rock band, The Nodd, who performed that night.

"You feel like you have a sense of purpose, you are a part of something. You learn the responsibility of being part of a team; you learn leadership. It's played a big part in all our lives," said Gillin.

Gillin believes fundraising for the arts is needed more now than ever.

"You hear a lot about budget cuts to the arts and music," said Gillin. "You want the legacy you've created to endure. That's why it's so important to raise money for them [the band] because you never know when our elected officials are going to take something away or cut funding so that you have less to work with. We want to keep the organization going for the people who are currently in it."

Guests were treated to a big buffet complete with oven-roasted rib eye, sides, and hors d'oeuvres. Keeping things local, Gillin noted that some of the ingredients came from his own garden. While it was considered a 'beef and beer' night, Gillin, who was also the chef for the night, made sure there were a few vegetarian options as well.

They had some help with donations from and who offered the usage of their ovens. Some of the food was also donated by other band parents. Even the gave them a discount for the hall.

Band parents and alumni alike appeared to have enjoyed the evening. Bill and Pat Foreman thought the evening was a success.

"I love it. It was a great idea, and any way to help the band is good," said Pat Foreman.

About an hour into the event, after everyone had gotten a pint and a plate, kicked off their set. The band has three original albums under their belt, but for this evening they performed mainly covers by bands like The Black Crows, The Police, and other 80's and 90's rock.

Doug Gillin joked about the empty space between the band and the tables encouraging guests to get up and dance. People finally got off their seats when The Nodd went a little further back and played the Monkees and the Beatles.

Gillin hinted they may do another FUNraiser in the spring, and it looks like band parents and alumni are already looking forward to it.