From after the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association marching competition on Oct. 21, 2023, to the week before Thanksgiving Day, the Patriot Pride Marching Band’s trailers were left in their usual spot at the track’s end, which borders the ramp entrance to the field. One would assume it would be safe and hidden away from damage, but unfortunately, that was not the case.
The trailers, used to hold percussion pit instruments, already in need of support, had their vinyl wrapping cut and torn to pieces, which would prove to be unfixable and require complete replacements. This would lead to shining a light on the insecurity and disrespect directed towards the valuable equipment of the band.
The spot used to keep the trailers during their idle days hidden by trees and the cubby of the track remained with no security other than the fences bordering the entire stadium. This meant they could not rely on cameras to capture any misdemeanors or tampering with the equipment. Although the stadium does lock, the pedestrian entrance on the ramp is open for the community to walk the track.
“I used to call it the ashtray, you know that yellow circle in the center of the field,” Director of Bands Darren Myers said. “I’d come in at 7:15 (referencing 7:15 rehearsal for the band) and just find 15, 20, cigarette butts sitting there,” he said. Basically, if you can find a way, everything in the stadium is free rein, including accessing the band trailers, he said.
Due to the destruction made to the trailers, a GoFundMe was made to help the efforts to repair them. The damages listed under the website that were being funded were as follows; second hitch for the trailer, inside lighting, roof vent replacement on one trailer, shelving adjustment, ramp “flap” repair, new jack, rusted wheel rims, and of course, the wraps themselves.
This all totaled almost $9,000 in needed repairs. This had to be covered completely by outside donors such as parents, past graduates, and anyone willing to help.
“I was disappointed and surprised,” Myers said. “We had no insurance coverage because the school district deductible is 10k in repair, so we were just under,” he said.
The efforts and frustrations that came from this caused the full two trailers to be repaired, taking until Aug. 14, almost nine months later. The GoFundMe raised $9,495.
The band used many fundraisers and lots of help to repair the trailers, which have now been rewrapped with new graphics. The trailers are now relocated where security cameras can capture activity day and night.
