The OHS band program was the recent recipient of a $12,000 Bright Ideas award from the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation. The award will be used to purchase three sousaphones. These horns are used in place of tubas during the marching band season.
The current horns have outlived their useful life, according to OHS band director, Troy Gerleman. When purchased, cases were not included because the band only marched at home football games. In the past eight years, the marching band began competing in the fall. This past year, the band competed in five weekend events, four of those "double-headers," meaning the band travels to two events in one day. The new horns will also include cases to protect them during transport. The timing of this award will also assist the program in having quality instruments for their trip to Pearl Harbor in December.
The band is projecting participation next year at over 90 students.
