A long-planned performance at Walt Disney World nearly unraveled for an Ohio high school marching band after thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of instruments just hours before they were set to take part in a parade at Magic Kingdom.
Students from Ashland High School had spent four years fundraising and preparing for the trip to Orlando, which was meant to be a highlight of their high school experience, but instead resulted in the loss of instruments, some irreplaceable.
What Happened?
The band arrived at a hotel near International Drive, and the next morning, they discovered their trailer had been broken into overnight. The locks were removed, and a many of the band’s instruments were missing.
This hotel was not located on Disney property.
Some of the Instruments are Irreplaceable
According to one of the band parents interviewed by Fox 35, the instruments had meaning or family connections for some students.
Brigitte Klotzek told Fox 35,
“They are handed down to them from family members; they’re gifts. They have a lot of memories with them. So it’s a little bit more than just an instrument.”
Klotzek said that “one student’s stolen instrument was a gift from his father, given to him shortly before his father passed away.”
The Show Must Go On
Despite the loss, the students still needed to perform.
With help from rental companies and support from others, the band was able to secure replacement instruments in time to march down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom as scheduled.
But these are only rentals and not their own instruments.
An Investigation is Under Way
Authorities are continuing to investigate the theft, but law enforcement has not announced any arrests. Sadly, this is not the first time it has happened. There have been similar crimes in the Central Florida area over the years.
How You Can Help
The band now faces the daunting task of replacing instruments for the students. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the school recoup the costs and replace the instruments for the students. You can find that information HERE.
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