Supporters of Richfield Public School's band programs gathered at Richfield United Methodist Church on Sunday to help raise funds to buy new equipment and pay for instrument maintenance fees. The Richfield Symphonic Band, conducted by Paul Maybery and featuring a performance by guest vocalist Carl Mackenzie, played a concert of mostly holiday songs to a half-filled main chapel.

The concert aimed to increase community awarness of the programs and to fill the gaps in funding, according to Karen Libra, president-elect of the Richfield Band Boosters.

"Bringing the community and students closer together and realizing that everyone's shooting for the same goal [was the main purpose of the concert]," she said. "We want to provide kids with the benefits that students in the past have always had."

The Boosters organized and staged the event in partnership with the Richfield Symphonic Band, formerly of the Richfield American Legion. The club hoped to make enough money from donations to assist with routine instrument maintenance and the purchase of new instruments.

The club, which has been operating in the city for more than 30 years, more students have shown interest in joining Richfield schools' band programs recently. More interest combined with budget cuts to music programs and an increase in the economic diversity of Richfield families, has made it increasingly difficult to meet the needs of students hoping to participate in music education, according to Libra.

David Butler, current Richfield Symphonic Band manager and a clarinetist with the organization for 19 years, said along with trying to make the program more accessible to interested kids, the event came out of trying to reestablish fifth grade as the beginning grade for new band students.

"Kids used to be able to start then, but because of money crunches that's been delayed by a year," Butler said. "We're especially interested in trying to raise money to help beginning band students purchase instruments."

Starting students in fifth grade was discontinued in Richfield after 2001. Students interested in music education now begin in the sixth grade. Second- and third-year band students in middle school may also participate in a jazz ensemble, while Richfield High School offers two concert bands and two jazz bands.

The holiday concert began with the band playing a piece from Mozart's "The Marriage to Figaro," before moving on to more traditional holiday fare. Other musical highlights from the afternoon included: "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," "Themes from the Nutcracker" and "Greensleeves."

Although the Boosters are generally concerned with making student instruments more widely available, by subsidizing the cost of renting music equipment, Libra and fellow board member Terry Youngblom said Richfield band directors Ben Hoehn, Richfield High School, and Erik Christianson, Richfield Middle School, have certain items on their wish lists.

"I know that the middle school is hoping to replace an electronic bass for their jazz ensemble, and the high school hopes to someday soon replace a timpani," said Youngblom.

Because this was the first year of the fundraiser, organizers had little idea how much money band programs could expect to earn through the event. Although they hope to continue the concert next year, few are optimistic about the chances of getting school band started in the fifth grade again. With increasing budget cuts looming for next year, Youngblom admitted, "I just want to make sure there's a band program. Period."

The Richfield Band Boosters are also accepting used instruments that are in good working order in addition to cash donations. To donate and instrument, call 612-798-6106. Cash donations can be sent to:

Richfield Band Boosters

7001 Harriet Ave. S.

Richfield, MN 55423

The club has not yet released information on the total amount raised.