UMass Amherst commits $4.5 million to Band Building Campaign
Thom Hannum, Carol-Ann Batchelder, George Parks, John Jenkins and Fred Pye announce the campus commitment during Concert Band rehearsal February 12th.
Dear Band Members, Friends, Alums, and Family:
We are going to build a building! It is official! It is going to happen!
In a stunning development, I unexpectedly received a letter from Chancellor Thomas Cole informing me that the campus is now committing $4.5 million toward the construction of a new band building! In his letter, Dr. Cole states that although this amount will not "build the complete facility that [we] might hope for, [they] assume and expect that there will be an opportunity for fundraising to supplement this campus commitment…This will surely be a campaign that many alumni will be able to get behind."
WOW! We have talked about this. Dreamed about this. Hoped for something to happen for 10 years…ever since we lost our home, the Old Chapel. The concept of a new building was first presented at the Sudler Banquet, which is now officially one decade ago. And now, it becomes a reality. Think about it: A place for uniforms and lockers. A place to visit with other band members. A place where the pit can unload take the instruments out, and move directly to the field. A place where the spring colorguard can practice and prepare a show that can travel around the state. Imagine Band Camp – the thunderclowds roll in: Ok, run inside – the thunderstorm ends – OK – resume the outside rehearsal. Rest rooms, changing areas. I can hardly believe this is true.
The past decade has been challenging. As we dreamed about a building many times, I have been asked if our loyal alumni would ever support this building project for the Minuteman Band. I have constantly said that of course our Alumni and Friends will do their fair share, but it can never happen unless the Campus stepped up to the plate, and made a serious commitment. Well that has happened!!! $4.5 Million!!
NOW IT IS OUR TURN!
Please join us! Now is the time. We have ONE chance to do this right. One chance to create the home that our Power and Class deserves. You built this band, now you can help us build its permanent home, and have your contribution be acknowledged for all time as one of our builder of dreams! Please dig deep! We need thousands of friends, family, and alums to be on the Dream Builders Wall. $1,000 gets your name on this building. And YOUR name NEEDS to be on this building. Even if you split your pledge over three years – that is less then $1.00 a day for three years! And for those who can go further please do! Please consider the impact you can have on the future of this great program! Join us. There will be more to come in coming weeks. This is a Great News, Bad News, Good News scenario. The Great news? Obvious. We are going to have a home. The Bad news…I need to ask for help! I will beg, plead, crawl – do whatever it takes…for one year! Here is the good news, after this project is complete I won’t have to ask you any more to help build a home! Sure, you might get a basic letter from me from time to time – but this project will be complete! And, if we move quickly, our current Freshman Class will be in the building before they graduate!
EMAIL PLEDGE INTENTIONS NOW
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MAKE YOUR GIFT ONLINE
Now, for those who have already made your contributions – THANK YOU! Your faith in this program has helped to make this project a reality! It would not have happened with YOU taking that first step. I cannot begin to thank you enough! So, now its time for the rest of us.
Today, I presented my first check: One Thousand 440 Dollars. This is the first installment of my 3 year pledge – and if YOU help us raise more than $2 million from our fans, friends, family, and alumni, I will increase my contribution as well.
Thank you all, and congratulations. YOU ARE MY DREAM.
