But don't tell that to the kids, or to their parents, or to Mr. Miller. Somehow it happened.
The following story was written by Barbara Christiansen, a friend of mine who writes for the Provo Daily Herald.
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/north/american-fork/article_845d7330-35b0-5e16-87c7-55614f353595.html
"The fundraising deadline has passed for the American Fork Marching Band's trip to Indianapolis, but school officials won't say if the $225,000 goal was met until they talk to students at band practice this afternoon.
Sources say the goal was met, but the school won't confirm that information.
The band has been trying to quickly raise money for a chance to participate in the national championships for marching bands. After winning a state championship Friday and the Western Regionals of the Band of America competition on Saturday, the band was urged by judges to participate in Grand Nationals, Nov. 12-14.
The school's director of bands, John Miller, told about the comments he heard after the band captured the regional title the second year in a row.
"We had judges in tears at the end of the performance," he said. "They were emotionally overcome. They said this band could win Grand Nationals. They were impressed with the emotion, quality of performance, design."
Most of the nearly 80 bands from across the country made their plans to go to Grand Nationals months ago, if not much longer. It was only by luck that American Fork could consider participating.
"It's just amazing," Miller said. "A band just backed out of Grand Nationals, just last week. When I called today, they could fit us in. We would play on Friday afternoon."
A company hurriedly arranged for hotel, ground transportation and charter flights for the trip.
The only thing lacking was the funding -- about $225,000.
Some money started being pledged right away -- about $50,000 by noon Monday. Some parents told Miller they would be able to pay for their children's expenses. Miller said he knew of others who could not afford it. In addition to the costs for the band members, there are also volunteers and chaperones who would need to have the financing.
Where American Fork's beloved band is concerned, support seems to come out of the woodwork, however. There are reports of at least two individuals who have sent letters to Oprah Winfrey, asking for help from her "Angels" foundation. At press time, they had not received a response. A Facebook page has been created -- "Send the AF Band To Grand Nationals."
The angel aspect may be appropriate, as band members remembered woodwind teacher Heather Christensen who died in the crash of a band bus on Oct. 10.
At a student meeting Monday afternoon, many expressed their feelings about the pros and cons of going to the competition. Some were concerned about spending the money; some said they did not want to take opportunities away from those entering the band next year by going on a big trip this year.
Many, however, said they felt it was their duty to go on and continue dedicating themselves and their music to Christensen. Caps with the inscription "Dedicated to Heather" topped the heads of a number of the band members.
"It is almost selfish not to," one student said.
"It is a thing that we need to be able to share with people," said another. "We shouldn't keep it to ourselves."
Students texted one another, asking them to bring money to the school the next day.
Freshman color guard member Rachael Blanco said she would love for the group to be able to go to the event.
"It would be a great opportunity to compete against the best bands in the nation," she said in an interview. "We have worked really hard on our show this year and what a tribute it would be to Heather to do well at the Bands of America Grand Nationals Competition.
"If we don't put all we can into it, we will never know," said another student.
Miller said it would be appropriate to go to nationals in a year during which Christensen had a direct influence on the band.
"It would be the most amazing thing we could ever hope for," he said. "Heather's wish was to go to nationals and make the finals. If we could do it this year with her input still in the band, it would mean the world to her, us and the kids."
Last year, AFHS went to Grand Nationals after winning Western Regionals. The band placed 14th. Miller said he expected this year's show could place even higher.
"This year is a Band of America show," he said. "We learned how to write and drill for it, how to make music they like back there. This is a BOA show. There are over 120-130 bands back there. To be in the top 10 would be amazing. It's hard to be in the top 10."
Drum major Richard Flores said in an interview he would be interested to go.
"I want to go because I am a senior," he said. "I am thinking about all the logistics and I can see the other side. What a lot of people are feeling is that we are willing to sacrifice to make it happen. We need to sacrifice if we need to share what we have."
Some of the students in the meeting mentioned giving up movies, trips to the mall or even Christmas presents from their families.
Many parents attended a meeting Monday evening. Most were positive about the band and its influence. Some, however, were concerned about the amount of money, particularly those who had more than one student in the band.
One reported that in two hours following the student meeting, her family collected $1,000 on their street.
"Don't underestimate the people of American Fork," she said. "They love this band."
A dad said the band could have a great influence, even if it didn't win the competition.
"If we make it back to Indianapolis, we are national news," he said. "Every band program in the country would benefit. If we make finals and we win it, we are a movie."
The Band did raise the money. The parents all came up with $900.00 per student, plus money for food and souveniors. I don't know how some of the people did it, there are families with multiple kids involved in the band and color guard. We took out a loan against the 401k at my work to get Rachael there. My parents gave some money to help make it all happen. The tears of joy I felt at being able to tell Rachael she was going on the trip of a lifetime . . . PRICELESS.
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