Hamilton High band asks council for help funding Chicago trip to St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Hamilton High School band asked the Hamilton City Council on Sept. 2 for financial assistance to help students attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago.

The presenter, identified in the meeting as Kevin, the band director, said the program has grown from about 50 students last year to roughly 71 and that the trip offers what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to perform and to expose students to cultural and performing-arts experiences. The proposed weeklong itinerary includes the parade and visits to cultural venues in Chicago; hotel rooms will be roughly 30 minutes outside downtown, and the band plans to use two charter buses that will carry instruments and students.

Kevin said students and families have been fundraising — selling donuts and chocolate bars — and that adults traveling with the group must pay their own way; school funds may be used only for student costs. He described a recent example of a student who had never stayed in a hotel and said travel experiences drive recruitment and retention for the band program.

Kevin did not present a specific dollar amount for the city’s contribution and said the band would continue fundraising for the next three to four months. Council members asked that the request be placed on a future agenda and discussed in a work session; no funding decision was made at the Sept. 2 meeting.

The band director’s request included program details: about 70 students expected to participate, travel on two charter buses, and ongoing student fundraising. Council members signaled willingness to review the request but gave no firm commitment.