Ephrata band seeks new uniforms

EPHRATA - The Ephrata High School band wants to replace its worn uniforms.

Marching Band Drum Majorette Briana Moser addressed the Ephrata school board last week, proposing the school board chip in about $13,120 for 70 uniforms.

The band would contribute $2,500 for the uniforms, Moser said.

"We need new band uniforms. We've had the uniforms for about 19 years," she said. "It could be longer. We just don't know the exact date."

She estimated the uniforms have been used in field marching for 10 years.

Moser said the band is financially frugal. Other extracurricular groups stay in hotels during trips, but band members stay in gyms, she said.

If the band contributes $2,500 toward the uniforms, it will have $5,000 remaining for other expenses including new music, instruments and tickets to concerts.

Instructor Larry Anderson said the students selected the lowest bid's design as their favorite.

"This company seems to be very good," Anderson noted.

Band students can have a uniform unique to Ephrata without needing complete customization, he said.

District Superintendent Jerry Simon expressed support for the district helping to buy uniforms.

"It's been 20 years and they are kind of tattered," Simon said.

He said the band will learn the amount the Associated Student Body can contribute and recommended the district pay the remaining balance.

Board President Bob Herzog seemed to agree.

"We don't send the football team out without a uniform. I don't know why the band should be any different," Herzog said.