House Republican Press Release

February 21, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Giegler Secures Grant for Danbury High School

State Representative Janice Giegler, R-Danbury, recently secured a $7,000 state grant for the Danbury High School Symphonic Band. The funds, secured through the state Office of Policy and Management, have been used to purchase new instruments for the school’s music department.

Equipment purchased were 2 Dynasty Convertible Tubas ($3,458), a Yamaha 3 octave Vibe Mallet Percussion (vibraphone-$2,372) and a Yamaha 3.5 Xylophone Mallet Percussion ($1,245) and 2 wood cases with wheels ($700). 

The instruments will replace models that are more than 20 years old. During competitions, judges have remarked on the age of the instruments the school has been using, said DHS Band Director Nick Albano.

“The old instruments were well beyond their last legs,” said Albano. “The new instruments are a real improvement and allow the students to better hear the sound quality of their performance.”

Danbury High School’s Music Program is a year-round program with course offerings that include Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, Pop Choir, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Orchestra, Piano, Keyboarding, Jazz Improvisation, Mechanics of Music, Winter Guard and Winter Percussion.

  “The DHS band and its active parental organization, the Band Aides, play in important role in our community,” said Rep. Giegler. “While attending their annual band jamborees, parents brought to my attention that the band was in desperate need of new instruments for their performances. I’m pleased that I was able to help them access the necessary funds for several key purchases.”