School band hoping to get new uniforms

PORTERVILLE -- A local high school band that has played in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and Independence Square -- and marched in five Rose Parades -- is in desperate need of a facelift.

Members of Porterville High's Panther Band are performing in uniforms that are ragged and torn, said Dr. Ramon Resa.

Resa is spearheading a fund-raising campaign he hopes will raise $100,000 for new uniforms.

The band needs 200 new band uniforms at a cost of $388 each, and additional uniforms for the flag girls.

"The uniforms are old and raunchy. They should have been replaced six years ago," he said. "Is this how we want our kids to represent Porterville when they go to Washington DC?"

Band member Elizabeth McLeod agreed.

"The uniforms are horrible," she said. "A lot of the hats are broken, and the pants are ripped. But we still do the best with what we have."

Band director Jim Kusserow said the majority of uniforms were purchased for the 1986 Rose Parade.

He said the school district has helped purchase uniforms in the past, but with anticipated budget cuts facing school districts statewide, he doesn't expect the district will be able to help this year.

Kusserow said that band members are selling $5 raffle tickets. The prize will be a car or truck from Faggart Buick

People who purchase an entire uniform for a band member will have their name stitched on the inside of the uniform.

"It's getting to where it's really affecting our appearance," Kusserow said. "I want the kids to feel proud when we're in public."

For more information or to make a donation, call Jim Kusserow at 782-7289, or Dr. Ramon Resa at 781-9301.