Band application music service projects benefit community

For the first time, section leaders hopefuls for the band are expected to not only submit their applications, but give back to their community as well.

Juniors Rita Chen and Charmaine Ng worked together to organize a car wash at the Valero gas station on De Anza Blvd. on May 16 for their project. They managed to raise more than $1,000, which will go toward buying plexi-glass sheets to hold down sheet music during practice.

The numbers of students applying to be a leader in each section may vary, but the total number of applicants is around 30.

Each applicant must complete a service project in addition to his or her application, which will be evaluated by band and orchestra director Michael Boitz.

“I think our car wash was really successful,” said Ng, who is applying to be leader of the baritone section. “But we still don’t know who will get the position.”

Junior Felix Chiu, who is also applying to be a section leader for the clarinet section, said he created a wagon that carried basic necessities for band practice. Chiu said it’s “sort of like a first aid kit that they can take to practices. If anyone ever needs anything, like a reed, the wagon will have extras.”

Chiu has already turned in his application but said that he is nervous because he is being judged against about 10 other potential section leaders.