From left are Matthew Lamsey, Thomas Faulkner and Sam Thomas, all members of the Signal Corps Marching Band and SMMHS Jazz Band.Now is the time to start practicing your dance moves for the Signal Mountain Middle/High School Music Boosters’ fifth annual Swing, Swang, Swung event, to be held at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church April 29 at 7 p.m.
The event raises funds to cover school music program expenses not covered by Hamilton County, including equipment purchases and travel, said band mom and volunteer Lissa Goeltz.
“Any attendance directly impacts the music program,” she said. “Basically, all the money the high school uses for its music program has to be raised by the community.”
The music program encompasses the marching band, orchestra and strings program, and all three split the $308 annually allotted by the county to the school’s music program, said Goeltz.
“I personally have had a son who has found being part of the music program to be the best experience of his life,” she said. “Music is essential to so many of these kids, but [the program] will go away if the community doesn’t support it.”
The event features live jazz performances by the Signal Mountain High School jazz band and Sweet Georgia Sound to provide the perfect soundtrack for a night of swing dancing.
“Last year was my first time going and I legitimately had so much fun I thought, ‘Why isn’t everyone coming to this?'” Goeltz said. “It’s so exciting to see the high-schoolers swing dancing, and they’re really good at it.”
Attendees can also enjoy food catered by Gipsy Gourmet and bid on items in a silent auction.
Seats can be reserved at signalcorpsbands.com, where people who cannot attend the event also have the option to make a donation. Tickets cost $25 each or $200 for a table of eight.
Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church is at 612 James Blvd. For more information, visit the “Swing, Swang, Swung 2016” event page on Facebook or signalcorpsband.com.