Indiana band to play in St. Charles to help hungry

What started out as a competition between two high schools has now turned into an effort to feed the area's hungry.

Missi Gradle, a freshman at St. Charles East High School, is spearheading an effort by the school's marching band to collect canned goods for the local Salvation Army on Friday in conjunction with a scheduled performance by the Indiana University Marching Band.

This is the second effort to collect donations by Gradle, who plays the flute in East's marching band.

She and St. Charles North freshman and marching band member Amanda Harshbarger organized a similar event during last month's Cross Town Classic football game between their schools.

"It was a competition leading up to (the game) between the two marching bands," explained Harshbarger, who came up with the idea after hearing about the need for food in Salvation Army pantries.

"When we heard they were running out of food we thought because the bands are so big, that it was a good way to raise money," she said.

During that drive the marching band for St. Charles North raised over 350 canned goods. St. Charles East has not released its tally.

The success and feelings of accomplishment from the first event led Gradle and her fellow band mates to continue their efforts at the upcoming performance at of the Indiana University Marching Band.

"We're trying to raise awareness the best we can," Gradle said.

The IU band, which received the 2007 Sudler Trophy recipient naming them the outstanding marching band in the country, will perform in the gymnasium at St Charles East High School at 7 p.m. Friday.

The band has been at IU since 1896. Many colleges and high schools have adopted elements of their rehearsal procedure and marching style into their performances.

Cost for the concert will be $3 for adults and $2 for students. Tickets will be available at the door. People are asked to bring a donation for the food drive.