GHS Band Request to Replace Instruments

ELLIJAY, GA – Gilmer High School Band Director Joe Pflueger presented a request to the Board of Education in August for the purchase of new band instruments.

Specifically, Pflueger mentioned percussion instruments, such as base drums and snare drums, and tubas.

Instead of buying new tubas, the request was for sousaphones. As opposed to a tuba, the sousaphone wraps around the player and distributes the weight better allowing more people and smaller people to be able to play the instrument.

The current tubas,  Pflueger stated, had been in use when he came to Gilmer in 1993.

Director Pflueger told the board they have already gotten extra years of use, 12 years total, for their drums due to excellent care by the students. However, the expense of continuing to repair the drums is rising as it becomes harder to find older parts for the older drums.

With the extreme age, many of the drums are utilizing improvised repairs as well. With concern of the rising repair cost, Pflueger requested the board purchase new equipment to replace them instead of continuing repairs.

Pflueger came to the meeting with 4 different quotes for the needed equipment and included both a cash price as well as lease-purchase plans. He went on to say that the age and issues with the equipment is beginning to affect the sound of the band as a whole.

During the regular session, the Board of Education motioned to approve the purchase of band instruments not to exceed $85,000, which was the highest quote. This motion, and the following unanimous approval, will allow Director Pflueger to go back and begin purchasing the equipment needed.