On Dec. 4, the Pinto Pride Marching Band stood outside 903 East Buchanan St. with band director Jacob Small as signs recognizing members of the band went on display for the community.
The signs were donated by the California Fraternal Order of Eagles to acknowledge the band and its activities, with each sign having a band member's first name printed on the front for California residents to see.
Just hours before the band gathered together to perform in the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Christmas parade, the group met with their parents, band director and Eagles members to take photos in front of their personalized signs.
Sporting California High School colors, the signs were produced locally at Kustom Signs, LLC. With each member having their own, the entire band was gifted with a 4x8 banner held by Small. Standing outside with his students celebrating the occasion, he said he was very proud of the work his students have done this year.
"I'm still a first-year teacher so I'm getting my feet underneath me, but the community has been great," Small said. "The kids have been great. They've been putting in the effort and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."
Small said while he was worried that the band's membership might reduce this year due to turnover, he found that the opposite was true. He said he was pleasantly surprised to see that the Pinto Pride Marching Band grew with the addition of several new members. With about 30 sixth-grade students in the middle school band, he said he hopes to double the numbers of the Pinto Pride Marching Band within a few years.
Small said he would like the Eagles -- as well as the rest of the community -- to know that he is thankful for their continued support and that the band will continue to improve as they grow in numbers and experience.
"We're doing good things," Small said. "We're building the program, getting back to where we should be. I appreciate the community, they're very supportive of the arts and everything that our community has to offer in extracurricular activities. I'd also like to thank the parents for everything they've done because without the parents we wouldn't have the program as it is now, so I would really like to thank them for everything they've done so far this year."
Donating about half of the cost it took to produce the signs, Eagles members said they were happy to help out the band. Eagles member Connie Smith said they love to help out the youth of the community however they can.
"We're just trying to help the community every chance we can," Smith said. "The band doesn't get enough recognition, so it's a good cause. We're about people helping people."
The Eagles will be hosting a fundraising for the group Feb. 5 at the Eagles' building. After parents discovered that the Pinto Pride Marching Band needed funds to improve the program, it was decided to host a fundraiser in order to build the account and either repair or buy new equipment.
After speaking with the Eagles, the group said they were willing to host a fundraiser to assist the band. Parents said that it was nice to have been offered any help with building up the Pinto Pride Marching Band. The fundraiser is called "Tacos and Tunes" and will be open from 4-8 p.m. Students will play music as guests eat and take part in a silent auction and a raffle.
Democrat photo/Kaden Quinn
Band director Jacob Small stands with his students as the Pinto Pride Marching Band is recognized.