Thanks to the generosity of the ABSS community, alumni, and the Cummings High School Band Boosters, the Cummings Band has reached its fundraising goal and will soon be Sugar Bowl bound.
Nearly $95,000 dollars was raised through various fundraisers including money to purchase the band uniforms for the upcoming performance. Any additional money donated will be used to purchase instruments and fund future band activities.
Cummings’ invitation to perform at the Sugar Bowl didn’t just happen. Band Director Greg Milton said his musicians were noticed after performing at the ACC Tournament the past two years.
“In five years, we’ve grown from 12 members to 50,” Milton said. “This will be a life-changing experience for many of our students who have never traveled outside of North Carolina. Coach Curtis McMillan, the football coach at Allen Middle School in Greensboro, NC would tell his players before every game, 'champions rise to the occasion.' Alamance County is full of champions that rose to the occasion by ensuring the Cummings HS Marching Band students would have enough funding to attend the Sugar Bowl. It was not easy but there is nothing too hard for CHAMPIONS! Thank you to all the champions who gave.”
Cummings Principal LaTasha Fonville said she is overwhelmed by the community’s support.
"We would like to extend our most earnest appreciation to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts to send our amazingly talented students to the Sugar Bowl for a monumental performance experience. It is truly an honor to lead and serve in a county committed to supporting all students,” Fonville said.
The Cummings Band is scheduled to travel after Christmas to New Orleans to perform at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The game is being held in the SuperDome on December 31, 2022 and nationally televised on ESPN. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m.