Coronado Marching Band raising money for Ireland trip

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LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Many residents across the South Plains are preparing for the Thanksgiving Holiday. However, for students with Coronado High School's Marching Band, all eyes are on Spring Break. That's when they will be traveling across the globe to take part in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

Roni Sturdevant, a member of the band's booster club, says this will be the trip of a lifetime.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity - some of these kids have never been outside of the state of Texas. It's very much a privilege for these kids to do," Sturdevant said.

Senior Christine Saso plays the clarinet and piano. She says she is thrilled to grab her instrument and passport and hop across the pond to the capital of Ireland.

"I'm really excited - my entire family is going," Saso said. "I'm excited about seeing things that are different outside of Lubbock. Seeing old structures and all that kind of stuff."

The excitement is not lost on her band mates, who are also looking forward to the trip.

"Who can say that they marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin?" senior Devin Jones asked.

Brittney Dean, who is also a senior, says she is looking forward to traveling internationally.

"It's going to be really exciting to see another culture outside of the United States," Dean said.

When it comes down to it, no matter the expense, senior Patrick Harwell says the trip is priceless.

"The experience we're going to have in Ireland is going to be something we cherish for a lifetime. The people going are never going to have an experience like this one," Patrick Harwell said.

For more information on any of the fundraising events, contact:

Joshua Shaw at joshuashaw@lubbockisd.org or 806-766-0636

Roni Studivant at ronisturdivant@sbcglobal.net or 8806-438-7129

All donations are welcome.

Traveling outside of the United States takes some cash. It will cost $2,865.00 per person. There are 100 students scheduled to go and nearly 80 adults. That's why students and boosters are working very hard to hold fundraisers to help pay for the trip.

The band is selling green t-shirts that say "Ireland or Bust" for $12 a piece. The deadline to purchase a shirt is Dec. 6. They are also holding a huge raffle full of various items ranging from gift cards, basketball tickets, and more.

In addition, on Dec. 16, the 50th Street Caboose restaurant will be holding a fundraiser where 40% of every sale will go to the CHS band. Also, on Nov. 22, a concert will be performed at the high school by Moonlight Social and all proceeds will go to the marching band.