Shiny New Mellophones Amplify the DHS Band’s Quality Sounds

The Decatur High School band program has a lot of old instruments – many of which are over 40 years old and beyond true repair. This issue puts the entire band at a disadvantage because the quality of the instruments directly impacts the quality of the sound. There can also be an appearance of inequity when some students playing top notch instruments are standing next to students playing subpar instruments. Last year, DEF awarded $3,000 to Band Director Ira Jenkins to purchase two new Yamaha F mellophones which also helped launch his long-awaited instrument replacement plan. Mr. Jenkins is pleased to start that process. “Having quality instruments for our students allows for teaching and learning to be effective and at a level that our students deserve,” he commented. This grant was funded through donations from The Mead Road Mardi Gras Parade and Party.