2016 Band of Pride Uniform Campaign

The Band of Pride has a rich history at Louisiana Tech University. Whether you are a student, an alumnus, an athlete, faculty or staff, a Louisiana Tech Athletics fan, or even a former member, the Band of Pride has impacted your Louisiana Tech experience. They are one of the main curators of tradition, pageantry, and pride on campus.

Unfortunately, it is becoming harder and harder for the Band of Pride to meet the needs of its many constituencies and successfully contribute to the musical and social education of its members. You are aware of the budgetary situation in the State of Louisiana and the impact it is having on Louisiana Tech University. Louisiana Tech is blessed with amazing leadership that is working tirelessly to weather this storm, but its effects are still being felt.

Despite a shrinking budget, membership in the Band of Pride has increased to over 200 members! This is a great milestone, but one that brings its own set of challenges. Due to aging uniforms and equipment, the needs of these new members cannot be met. There currently aren’t enough usable uniforms for the upcoming football season. The typical lifespan of a marching band uniform is 5-7 years, but through diligence and good care, the current uniforms have been in use for 12. The same is true for university-owned instruments. The Band of Pride provides certain instruments to its members that are typically cost prohibitive for students to purchase. The current marching percussion instruments are over 25 years old, and some of the larger brass instruments have deteriorated beyond use. Even if all of these instruments were in usable condition, the Band of Pride does not currently have enough to outfit the projected size of the band in the Fall of 2016.

Quotes for new uniforms, new percussion instruments, and instrument repair have been received. At a cost of approximately $450 per uniform, we need to raise $100,000 to outfit the Band. To replace the marching percussion instruments, we need to raise approximately $28,000. The necessary instrument repairs will cost approximately $5,000 - $7,000.

Now is your chance to impact the group that has made such an impact on your Louisiana Tech experience! A goal of $125,000 has been set, and we know that you, the members of the Tech Family, will rise to the challenge. Every gift makes a difference, so please give what you can. Together, we can help field the largest Band of Pride in recent years!