Community Endowment for the Arts Funds Field Drums for Pep Band
The New London-Spicer Educational Foundation's Community Endowment for the Arts has awarded $5,000 to Caitlin Becks, Grades 6-12 Band Instructor, for her grant titled, "Field Drums for Pep Band/Drumline." Funds awarded will be used to purchase new field percussion equipment for the New London-Spicer High School band program. The equipment being purchased consists of marching snares, quad/tenor drums, pitched bass drums, and cymbals, along with harnesses for each instrument. The program also received the remaining $1,500 in funds needed to purchase stands for the snares, quads, and basses from the NLS Sports Boosters. The boosters aim to improve the experience of Wildcat fans and athletes. A collaboration between the Arts Endowment and the Sports Boosters highlights how important music and the pep band is to our community, schools, and Wildcats!
The equipment funded by the Educational Foundation will be used for home pep band performances and away games as our athletic teams advance during section and state competitions. Caitlin shared, "This grant will also open up opportunities including local performances, a drumline, and possibly field shows or marching events as the equipment will be easier to transport than concert percussion." The new equipment should arrive in Spring 2024.
While Caitlin is new to the New London-Spicer School District, she brings with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Caitlin earned her bachelor's degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and her masters' degree from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL . Prior to her employment at NLS, she was the Director of Bands at Crookston High school, and had also taught music in Pembina, ND, St. Paul, MN, and Grand Forks, ND. Caitlin is originally from Paynesville and is excited to be back to the area! She has set a goal to boost numbers in the band program at NLS by showing our students how much fun music can be and potentially inspiring future musicians!
If you are interested in making a donation to the New London-Spicer Educational Foundation, you can do so online at: www.nls.k12.mn.us/foundationdonation or by mail: PO BOX 58, New London, MN 56273. New London-Spicer Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization with 501c3 tax status.
