Video by Multimedia Editor Sera Frederick. The New Smyrna Beach Cudas marching band looked sharper than ever Friday at the NSB sports complex and with good reason, thanks to shiny new uniforms.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Strike up the band. The 55-member Cudas marching band looked and sounded real sharp Friday night, especially at halftime of the football game, with 12 color guards led by senior drum major Kaitlin Hearn.
The uniforms cost $36,000, but thanks to extensive fundraising by band members, their parents and others, all but $5,000 of that cost has been paid off, said Cindy Richenberg, retired Daytona Beach firefighter and self-titled "Band Mom."
"We had our Jammin' in the Park fundraiser, plus pancake breakfasts and other activities to raise the money," Richenberg said after Friday's half-time show.
The new uniforms replaced the ones that had been handed down, patched and re-sewed for 18 years.
Richenberg said donations have come in large and small numbers, though none bigger than the $5,000 donated by New Smyrna Beach Police Chief Ron Pagano and his officers through forfeiture monies. Another booster named by Richenberg is New Smyrna Beach Fire Chief Dave McAllister, whose son, Davey, is a percussionist.
Anyone who wants to help pay off the remaining debt for the uniforms is asked to go to the band's Facebook page or by calling 386-689-8311.