Rounding Out the Sound

The Decatur High School Band Program provides an important creative outlet for hundreds of Decatur students, and serves as an integral source of entertainment at school sporting events and competitions. The band currently has three different ensembles, and a typical ensemble has two bass clarinets. One of the school’s ensembles did not have any bass clarinets. Because band instruments are so expensive, they can be cost-prohibitive for students to rent or purchase. With help from a DEF grant that was funded through the Mead Road Mardi Gras, the band program was able to purchase a much-needed bass clarinet. The addition of this instrument will allow the band’s third ensemble to expand its musical repertoire and participate in a wider variety of competitions. The instrument can now be loaned to a student who needs it on an annual basis.