| Editor's Note: We apologize, the Sahib Band
article was inadvertently left out of the April Sahib Shrine Reporter
Magazine. Sahib Band for April Sahib
Reporter Magazine In 1984, in order to create a means of ongoing financial support for the Sahib Band Unit, it was decided to create a “Big Band” for a series of early evening dances with a nominal admission charge. I was band president at the time and Noble Howard Wilson chaired the committee that came up with the idea and the name, The Noblemen. Potentate Ill. Sir Ted Barton, who I served as Personal Aide, enthusiastically supported the idea and the dances began in 1985. They were a tremendous success and the Sahib Band has been able to pay its expenses as well as contribute thousands of dollars to Sahib. Over the past 26 years, well over $40,000 has been donated to Sahib in check presentations and as hall rental charges that were imposed by Ill. Sir Ken Terryberry in 1998. Unfortunately, as of late, the nobility no longer supports these twice monthly dances, revenue has fallen dramatically and the Sahib Band is in financial difficulty. Nobles can enjoy dancing and listening to a very professional 15-piece band, have dinner with the Hillbillies, and experience a very special evening for a low total cost. Although the dance ticket is a nominal $7, our attendance is virtually all from the public and insufficient to cover our substantial expenses. As you may know, the Sahib Band is the only remaining ongoing Shrine band unit in the state of Florida. Expenses include music, stands, lights, instruments, our float, the float driver and mechanical upkeep. Our Noblemen Dance Band was the source of the funds that allowed us to survive. We publish an ad in the Sahib Reporter, which we had hoped would encourage some nobles to attend, but, alas, that has not been the case. If you want to continue having a band perform at stated meetings, ladies’ luncheons, ceremonial parades and community parades, then we need your support. Under the baton of Ill. Sir Jarrett Miller, PP, the Sahib Concert Band rehearses vigorously each Tuesday afternoon preparing for the performances mentioned above. Our nobles are dedicated Shriners who give their talent and their instruments worth many thousands of dollars to support Sahib. Please support your band unit by enjoying the Noblemen dances on April 7 and 14. Our Director Emeritus Noble Andy Wright will hopefully be in the audience to welcome you. As most nobles are aware, Andy is fighting serious medical issues. Thanks a million.
|