I was a proud member of the band while in school. I loved the feeling of being part of a team. Contributing to the overall sound of the group. It made me feel a part of something bigger than myself individually. I wasn’t athletic in school nor the smartest kid in the class, so music was where I found my connection.

At Saco Middle School, I played the trumpet. I played first chair, which if you are a fellow band geek like me, you know that’s a big deal. My mom played in the drum and bugle corp when she was in high school and college. Trump and brass instruments were her thing. I guess I caught the bug. Luckily, she could help me on my buzzing, a critical part to playing instruments like the trumpet.

Nicole Wise was my teacher, who still leads the music program there today. I have fond memories of marching in the local community parades down main street in Saco, playing songs like the Star-Spangled Banner among others. The experience in the SMS band prepared me to take on an even bigger challenge of playing in the prestigious Portland Youth Wind Ensemble while I was a student at Thornton Academy, where we got to play concerts at Merrill Auditorium.

Research has shown that students with a foundation of the arts do better in school overall. Creativity and self-expression are enhanced when students participate in some form of music or arts program. It’s vitally important that we continue to support school programming that centers on arts and arts education.

Like a lot of things, the band and music program need our help. There are a number of costs that pop up throughout the school year that is hard to budget for. Travel to competitive festivals, new instruments when they break, new music and supplies all add up to a lot of money. Luckily, there is a way to help offset their costs.

The Saco Middle School Band is throwing a unique fundraiser. No, you don’t need to buy something. For parents, you don’t need to sell anything. For this, you just have to clean out your closets.

You can drop off your gently worn, used, and even new shoes at the front office of Saco Middle School. Why shoes you ask?

The band will receive money for the amount of weight they turn over. Then the company, Funds2Orgs, will distribute these shoes to small businesses in developing nations to help support those most in need. Win win! The goal is to collect 7,500 pairs of shoes. Slippers to flip flops, cleats to boots and everything in between. They’ll take them all.

They will be collecting through December 16th, so clean out your closets and find those shoes. A great way to give back, support the arts in our community, and put those shoes you never wear anymore to good use.

If you have any questions, you can contact Nicole Wise at 207-282-4181 or nwise@sacoschools.org.

— Justin Chenette is serving his second term in the Maine Senate representing Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Hollis, Limington and Buxton. He is the chair of the Government Oversight Committee, co-chair of the Democracy Reform Caucus, and a member of the Environment & Natural Resources & Ethics Committees. He is also a Citizen Trade Policy Commissioner. Outside the Legislature, Justin is a Realtor with the Bean Group, Marketing Coordinator of Saco Sport & Fitness, and is Vice President of Saco Main Street.

Follow updates at www.justinchenette.com.