May 11, 2011 - It’s a new day for Fort Valley State University’s Blue Machine Marching Band. FVSU’s Student Government Association, the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, Inc. and Blue Machine band members have united to help the organization refine its brand and image.
This spring marked the beginning of a fundraising and spirit campaign to rebuild the university’s band. An energized group of volunteers have developed several initiatives and set a $700,000 goal. “Adopt a Band Member” and a “Change for Change” drive are now underway. “Last fall, my husband, Leon Moss, came up with the ‘Adopt-A-Band Member’ idea, then I presented the idea to the Board of Directors,” said Dorothy Moss, president of Fort Valley State University’s National Alumni Association, Inc. “It’s both a mentoring and fundraising project. Friends and alumni of FVSU can sponsor band members from their hometown or donate whatever amount they’re willing to give.”
Members of FVSU’s SGA joined in the effort with a “Change for Change” drive. Student leaders are asking Wildcats to save up spare change to donate during collections at major campus events. Other projects including a step show, concert and presidential fundraiser are currently in the works. Donations will be used to purchase new uniforms, buy instruments, cover travel expenses and boost the band's size through recruitment.
“Anything the band does has a cost factor behind it,” said Leonard Giles, interim director of the Blue Machine Marching Band. “It takes a lot of funding to take the band to the next level, and it’s going to take a great deal of alumni and administrative support.”
A shiny, new logo with and theme describing the Blue Machine's transformation is affixed to flyers, posters, a new webpage and other promotionals. This fall, a national search to find a band director by spring 2012 begins. Giles, who held the position from 1983-1991 and again from 1996-2007, will serve as the interim director until the spot is permanently filled.
“A band should be an elite organization because it’s the face of the university,” he said. “We want to make sure that we have a strong sense of dignity and pride. We want the students and alumni to be proud that our band is a representation of Fort Valley State.”
To contribute to FVSU’s Blue Machine Marching Band, please call the FVSU Foundation, Inc. at (478) 825-6474.
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