By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

Bonnie Taylor is walking on a cloud this week, her trumpet in hand.

As a member of the Davie High School Band Wind Ensemble, she and her bandmates are in Washington, DC competing for the President’s Cup. The Davie band is one of 10 nationwide invited.

“This is going to be an incredible experience,” said Bonnie, the band captain. “It’s incredible, because the band has been a big part of my life since my freshman year. So many people here inspire me and are my best friends.”

She plans to attend NC State this spring, and hopefully be a part of the band there.

The wind ensemble has already earned two superior ratings in a competition this year, and have been practicing daily for the appearance in Washington. The Davie High band won the competition in 2016.

Students raised half of the $63,000 cost of the trip, and a grant from the Davie Community Foundation provided the rest.

The fundraising is a constant, as instruments and other equipment age and need to be replaced. That equipment is expensive, said band director, Matthew Brusseau.

Enter the Davie Band Day, scheduled for Saturday, April 27 at the Davie Community Park off Southwood Drive in Mocksville. Music starts at 3 p.m. featuring Camel City Yacht Club, Too Much Sylvia and The Extraordinaires. Expect to see some of the Davie band members on stage, performing with the professional musicians.

Tickets are $15 online, $20 at the gate, with the high school band getting a portion of all ticket sales. Brusseau said the performers agreed to play at a reduced rate to support local high school students.

“We’ve wanted to do a unique fundraiser that’s not just us selling something,” Brusseau said. “Our lane is music, so this is perfect.”

Proceeds will go to purchase equipment, and if enough is raised, help pay for an arts department trip to New York next year.

Visit daviehighbands.com to purchase tickets or learn more.