HHS Band Celebrates Halloween With Fundraising Concert

Who knew the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, the Mario Brothers and Jessie from Toy Story had so much musical talent?

Music may not be what these fictional characters are known for, but it is what the Hendersonville High School Band does best. On Halloween, the school’s Jazz Band performed an outdoor concert in Flat Rock with most of its members wearing a variety of costumes. The trumpet section came dressed as the turtles, a flapper wailed on the sax, and even Brevard City Councilman Jerry Smith got in on the fun, wearing his Batman costume while performing with the band.

The band put on the concert during a fundraiser held at the Flat Rock Cinema. The school’s band is making plans to perform at Disney later this year and in Los Angeles next year. As one might expect, such trips don’t come cheap, and Howard Molton of Flat Rock Cinema, himself a band parent, opened up his cinema to lend the band a hand.

“When they win a competition, which they did last year in Chicago, they get invited to the next big event which is usually every other year,” Molton said. “Next year is in LA, and we just like to make sure that some of the kids who can’t afford it we raise some money for them.”

Molton provided his cinema, and ACE Hardware and Holland Grill had a representative on site grilling up hot dogs and turkey. RC Cola provided the cool drinks for an unseasonably warm afternoon. People attending the concert were asked to give a $10 donation.

“The last I heard they sold about 100 tickets, and it’s a $10 minimum donation so we’re hoping to make at least $1,000,”Molton said. “It is a drop-in concert, and people are still pulling in and out of here. What a great day for this.”

The entire HHS Band, not just the Jazz Band, will be making the trips, Molton said. But Molton couldn't resist singing the praises of the students who comprise the Jazz Band.

“The Jazz Band is a special band,” Molton said. “They get up early two days a week and get in there and practice at 7 o’clock before school starts. They’re dedicated, and these students here are really, really good.”

Before the band began to perform a mix of rock ‘n’ roll and “a splash of Latin music,” its director, Fran Shelton, urged everyone attending to help the band with its upcoming trips.

“Again, if you fill the need to empty your pockets, we’d love to have it,” she said, evoking laughs from the crowd.

Anyone wanting to help can contact Molton at Flat Rock Cinema or Hendersonville High School.

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