Band to get new uniforms

By LOU ANTONELLI
Managing Editor
School trustees Monday night approved purchasing new uniforms for the Clarksville Tiger Band.
Director of Finance Melissa Darrow reported that a CD set aside to help with such a purchase now stands at $23,000. The current band uniforms are eleven years old.
Supt. Pam Bryant reported the district has investigated cost, and presented three different proposals based on 100 uniforms.
The lowest cost uniforms would cost $18,840, but Bryant and Interim Band Director Eric Shimanek they looked too inexpensive. Another proposal would cost $36,900.
Bryant told board members that, after some bargaining, Shimanek was able to get a bid for the high end uniforms at $53,000.
Trustees asked why the band needs 100 uniforms when it has 73 members currently. Shimanek explained they need surplus uniforms for when other wear out.
A number of band students have to change uniforms as they grow during high school, noted Bryant.
After some discussion, trustees agreed to add $30,00o to the $23,000 CD and purchase the 100 new uniforms for $53,000.
In November the Tiger Band won the state UIL Marching competition for Class 2A in San Antonio.