Old Cameron band uniforms recycled into fundraiser
Marian Nelson's sewing machine is in overdrive these days. The rhythmic sound of chuka, chuka, chuka, as the needle punches through fabric, has become the sound of a labor of love.
In late spring, nearly eighty vintage Cameron High School Marching Band uniforms dating back to the early 80s through the early 90s were discovered in a school storage closet.
The band students, along with staff and parents, agreed to transform the uniforms into pillows, totes, and carrying cases that could be sold to raise funds for a once in a lifetime opportunity... to perform at Disney World at the end of the school year.
It wasn't long after, when Marian, a CHS graduate, wanted to play a major role in making the magical dream possible for the CHS band students. “To me, it's just about giving back what I've been given. My son and nephew were in band. The kids are our future, and if we're not willing to invest in them, then we don't have a future,” smiled Marian.
When she isn't working full-time at Farmers State Bank, you will find Marian ripping apart seams, removing trim, and dismantling dozens of uniforms, preparing them for the transformation into keepsakes. Nothing is going to waste. The jackets, collars, sleeves, pants, dragon patches, and school names are being used for the project. Each pillow takes about ninety minutes to make. “It's slow work at times due to some of the more delicate material,” said Marian.
“A fundraiser like this is something I can really appreciate and be thankful for,” stated drum major and senior, Jordan Bradford. “These pillows are getting us on track to fulfilling our goal. It's great using previous band uniforms to create them, pulling past and present together. Words cannot fully describe the gratitude we have for the help and support of people like Mrs. Nelson.”
For Cameron graduate Beth Reynolds, having a unique CHS keepsake brings back great memories. “I wasn't in the band, however, the band was a huge part of entertainment at high school games and pep rallies. It's a great momento of CHS history.”
In addition to performing on Main Street at Disney, the band, color guard, and pom squad will have the opportunity to participate in workshops specific to their specialty. “For example, the band will step into a recording studio and work with a Disney conductor to rehearse, play, and record the soundtrack to a Disney movie,” stated Ann Clark, CHS co-band director.
The pillows, totes, and bags which are being created by Marian will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis at all home football games, and through Cameron Band Booster, Beth Reynolds (breynolds@fscbank.com). All proceeds will go toward the CHS band booster fund.
