Tulsa World: Band is bowled over

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Band is bowled over
Fairland's musicians accept a Sugar Bowl invitation but now must raise the dough.

Callie Bro and members of the Fairland marching band practice for the Sugar Bowl halftime show. The band recently was invited to the New Year's Day event in New Orleans. Gary Crow / for the Tulsa World

By SARA PLUMMER World Staff Writer
Published: 8/11/2009 2:21 AM
Last Modified: 8/11/2009 3:47 AM

FAIRLAND — Less than two years ago, the Fairland High School band took its first overnight trip to Dallas to compete in a music festival. It was the farthest any Fairland Public Schools group had ever gone.

Then the band traveled to St. Louis in the spring.

Now the roughly 40 students in seventh through 12th grade have been invited to play in New Orleans at the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.

Fairland's will be the only Oklahoma high school band to go this year.

"This is a big deal," said Sean Newman, the band's director. "It's the first time in the history of the school anyone's been invited to a bowl."

The Sugar Bowl wasn't the only major trip to present itself. The band also received invitations from the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio and the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn.

The interest started after the band received several superior ratings and placed at contests and music competitions.

Newman accepted the Sugar Bowl invitation because it's prestigious — and he's gone before with Tulsa's Memorial High School band, he said.

The Sugar Bowl might be renowned, but it's also expensive. The small band from the town of about 1,000 people needs to raise $26,000 by November 1.

"I think we can raise it," senior clarinet player Katie Detherage said. "Everyone wants to go. Everyone wants us to go."

Senior trumpet player and Drum Major Matt Williams said that for past trips, the band has had more time to raise less money.

"It's hard to tell if we can raise that money," he said. "I think we'll do it. We've gotten a lot of support."

The group is planning several fundraisers — including raffling off a horse at homecoming and selling candy bars.

If they raise the needed money, the band will participate in a field-marching competition before performing with the other bands during the halftime show.

"We've never had the bowl experience," Newman said.

"They don't know what to expect when they stand in front of 85,000 people. In Fairland, we're lucky to have 500 people."

The students are excited all the same.

"I was surprised, thrilled, shocked all at the same time," Detherage said. "It's really a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The prospect of the small band performing at such a high-profile event wasn't something the band's director expected in his third year at Fairland, said Newman, who had been a band director at larger schools for 20 years before coming to the town.

"I came here with high expectations for this group. I was also realistic and knew where I was going," he said. "To expect this big a trip was a surprise — a pleasant surprise."

To make a donation

To make a donation toward the band’s trip, mail checks payable to the Fairland High School Band to Fairland Owls Booster Club, attn: Sugar Bowl, P.O. Box 23, Fairland, OK 74343

For more information, call Sean Newman at (918) 676- 3246 or e-mail him at snewman@fairlandowls.com.

Sara Plummer 581-8465
sara.plummer@tulsaworld.com By SARA PLUMMER World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Thunder196, Tulsa (8/11/2009 4:16:40 AM) I am looking forward to seeing this band make the trip. There is no doubt in my mind, they will raise the money they need. I guess I have a special place in my heart for those that perform in the marching bands. My grandfather taught band. My granddaughter earned a full scholarship to the University of Iowa because of the band program in her high school, along with her grade point average. This is a chance in a life time and I don't want to see the band in Fairland miss it.
	Report Comment lizzy, Tulsa (8/11/2009 9:12:23 AM) Good luck, kids!
	Report Comment Four Sixteen Rigby, (8/11/2009 11:23:53 AM) What a great little town! Definitely the crown jewel of Ottawa County.
	Report Comment Ayo, T-Town (8/11/2009 1:59:35 PM) I hope they're able to raise the money. There isn't much time to do it, but I hope they manage. My brother was/is a talented saxophonist, and received a music scholarship. It's a bit frustrating to see Jenks football come through with 'breaking news' but only three comments on this little band going to the Rose Bowl.
	Report Comment TheWatching, (8/11/2009 3:04:14 PM) I agree with Ayo, it certainly is frustrating to see that "breaking news" usually means wrongdoing... Congratulations, Fairland Band! Here's to a safe, fun, unforgettable trip!
	Report Comment I'm Reliable, (8/11/2009 4:57:01 PM) I hope they don't use any tax money. Its hard enough to get buy. Them "rich kids" in the band from rich wealthy landowners/farmers can pay they own way!!!!!!!!!!
	Report Comment Thunder196, Tulsa (8/11/2009 6:37:59 PM) Kool-Aid The name and address is at the bottom of story. I am going to send a check also.
	Report Comment Thunder196, Tulsa (8/11/2009 6:43:02 PM) I'm Reliable are you out of your mind. Have you even been to Fairland? Farmers are hard working people just like everyone else.

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