Battle Ground band students, parents and community members are getting into the holiday spirit with the annual Band Boosters Christmas tree sale, raising thousands of dollars to support the district’s music programs.
The Battle Ground High School (BGHS) Band Boosters have raised money for local school programs for the last 25 years. John MacAleer, a three-year member, is one of dozens of parents volunteering his time to sell and pack Christmas trees for locals. MacAleer explained the Christmas tree sale is the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser.
“It’s really fun because a lot of former band students and members come in and buy their trees from us., a lot of repeat customers ... It’s a really great way to connect with the public and spread the love about our music programs,” MacAleer said.
MacAleer estimated the community organization makes $15,000 annually from the tree sale, typically selling 300 to 400 trees a year. This year, the boosters are selling 350 trees from a local farm, with prices ranging from $70 to $150 per tree. Proceeds from the sales directly support the music programs at Battle Ground High School. MacAleer noted that the funds help supply musical instruments for low-income students, cover transportation costs for out-of-town events and hire specialized clinicians to offer training in areas like jazz or percussion. Additionally, the organization funds the salary of an intermediate jazz band instructor, a position not covered by the school district.
Elizabeth MacAleer, John’s daughter and a senior at Battle Ground High School, is in her fourth year volunteering for the Band Boosters. As a member of the high school’s band, she enjoys giving back to the cause. Last week, she and several other students were busy loading trees into cars and waving signs at the tree lot.
“I’ve done this since freshman year, so I like coming back every year and getting into the holiday spirit,” Elizabeth said. “I’m kind of a people person … [I] also really like just being here and helping out with the band.”
The annual tree sale has even drawn in long-time graduates. Jeff Siebert, a La Center farmer and 1976 Battle Ground High School graduate, brought his camel, Curley, along with several other animals to visit. The unexpected petting zoo attracted a crowd of families, enticing even more people to check out the tree sale.
“He was at one of our concerts and he walked up to me and volunteered to bring Curly the camel down. I didn’t know that he was bringing the rest of the petting zoo,” John MacAleer laughed. “The [tree] lot is donated by the folks that manage the property for Albertson’s and then the fence company, Allstar Fencing, donated the fence to us. So, we’ve got pretty good community support, too.”
The Band Boosters tree lot is open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until trees are sold out at 2006 W. Main St., Battle Ground. Learn more about the Band Boosters at facebook.com/BGHS.BandBoosters.
