The Central Valley High School Band is well known for outstanding marching, music programs and students. The band is very good at fundraising, not only for its own programs, but also for other charities. 

Every year since 2010, the CV Wind Ensemble has put on a concert to benefit some foundation.  In 2010 and 2011, the "I Am: Africa" benefit concert raised money for the Field Band Foundation in South Africa.  

This year, the "I Am: One Nation" benefit concert is raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project. All the proceeds go directly to the WWP because this is a fundraiser for us to give back.  

Eric Parker, the Director of Bands, decided to put on this new concert because, "[He] just wanted the band experience to include a deep and meaningful opportunity to make someone's life better, and success means nothing without the humility to serve and give back."  

To put on this concert, the CV Band and Color Guard Boosters donate about $1,000.  The band rents an enormous American flag, which it presents in a very dramatic way, and there are also other costs that include things such as theatrical lighting effects that are coordinated to a specific piece of music.  

The students who perform in this concert treat it differently than others. They take it seriously because the concert isn't for entertainment, it's for giving back, for showing our community, and those that serve our country, that this band, this school, cares and supports our troops. 

At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at CVHS, please join the band as it once again puts on this amazing benefit concert for an amazing cause, The Wounded Warrior Project. Tickets will be $5 at the door or presold through the CV business office.