There is nothing like the sound of a marching band to get the crowd fired up for a Friday night football game.

Our local high school groups provide tons of pep on the gridiron, in the gym and during parades and special events of all kinds.

Unfortunately, they are often on very unstable footing. Many bands, like Keith, Selma- CHAT Academy and Selma High School, are operating under tough conditions.

Members march in uniforms that are well past their prime. Others have instruments that should have been put away many years ago.

The reality is, more members than not cannot afford to help these bands make upgrades on their own. They rely on the schools to provide both instruments and uniforms. Because of tightening budgets, schools are also hurting for funding to support music and the arts.

This is where the community comes in. Each school is having some form of fundraiser to collect money for new instruments, uniforms, and other needs. These programs are well worth consideration for donations. Not every student aspires to play football, basketball, baseball or softball. Many also have the potential to go very far in life through a career in the arts.

Without community support to keep these programs alive, they might never have that opportunity.

When students or representatives of area bands approach you for a donation, please at least give the idea some consideration. Extra-curricular activities are very important in Selma to give our students a positive way to spend their time. If these programs can no longer be funded, these students will lose a creative outlet they hold dear to their hearts.

If you enjoy the sound of a marching band, or just like hearing success stories of students who excel in the arts, please help keep these programs alive.