State Rep. Adam Scanlon, center-left, and State Rep. Ted Phillips, center-right, present a $40,000 check to the Mansfield High School Marching Band for new uniforms during the Haunted Hallways Band Concert. (Photo courtesy Mansfield Public Schools)
MANSFIELD — Superintendent Teresa Murphy is pleased to share that the Mansfield High School (MHS) Marching Band will receive new uniforms thanks to $40,000 in funding secured by State Rep. Adam Scanlon.
Through budget amendment #484, Rep. Scanlon secured $40,000 to cover the cost of new uniforms for the MHS Marching Band in the House of Representatives budget that passed earlier this year.
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Superintendent Murphy accepted the check from Rep. Scanlon and Rep. Ted Phillips during the MHS Haunted Hallways Band Concert. The new uniforms will be designed by world-class uniform maker Stanbury Uniforms with MHS’ newly branded logo and color. They will be unveiled at the first football game of the 2025 season.
Band Director Justin DeJoy was present on Wednesday evening to accept the check, alongside Performing Arts Department Chair Sheila Newton, Mansfield Band Parents Association President Frani Spivak, and students who are section leaders of the marching band.
Rep. Scanlon is a strong supporter of arts education.
“All kids deserve the best of opportunities to develop their skills and explore what activities they enjoy and are good at, and they deserve to be proud of representing their school,” Rep. Scanlon said. “I was happy to help Mansfield get new uniforms for the band, and glad I was able to get this item included all the way through the budget process.”
The last time new uniforms were purchased for the MHS Marching Band was in 2007. Marching band uniforms should typically be replaced every 10-12 years, and with this year’s reveal of the new logo and school colors, the administration felt that it was the perfect time to invest in new uniforms.
Like athletic uniforms, marching band uniforms are provided to musicians for the season. The students are responsible for keeping them in pristine condition. At the end of the season, musicians return their uniforms, which are stored until the next season.
“The legislative delegation supported Representative Scanlon’s advocacy for the MHS Band,” State Rep. Jay Barrows said. “I’m happy to support the efforts of the delegation to secure funds for my alma mater’s band uniforms.”
Superintendent Murphy expressed her gratitude for the Representatives’ endorsement in securing this grant.
“We are extremely grateful for the funding that has made it possible to provide our marching band with new uniforms,” Superintendent Murphy said. “The uniforms are worn with great pride, and our students are excited to showcase their new look next marching band season.”
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