By Phoebe Donald Robinson / Community Columnist
The Shelby County High School Band Boosters are having their second annual Shelby County Band mattress fundraiser sale on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the SCHS band room.
There will be 20 mattress sets on display to try out and a team of experts to advise and answer any questions. A free layaway program is being offered! Prices range from $249 to $2,499 with up to 60 percent off retail on brands including Simmons and Restonic.
“When I first came here 18 years ago, I told the SCHS Band Boosters if they will handle the money, I will handle the band,” said SCHS Band Director Tom Grigsby. “The current boosters are the most supportive and productive group that I have ever had. We could not do anything without their support. They are invaluable to me as a band director.”
Current officers are: President Renee’ Wilder, Vice President Phil Morris, Secretary Camille Cole, Treasurer Karen Jackson and Concession Stand Manager Karen Melsen.
“I have been a band booster for five years,” said Wilder. “My son, Stephen, who graduated last year played the alto saxophone, son, Austin, who is in the ninth grade, plays the trumpet and daughter, Mollie, is in the beginner band learning the alto sax which is almost bigger than her! I have been president since Oct. 31, 2012. I have tried to do all I can to improve the visibility of the boosters and to make the relationship between the band and the boosters what it needs to be.”
Under Wilder’s leadership, the first mattress sale last year was a huge success, netting $4,000 for the band. Needed items that the boosters have provided are new musical instruments as tubas, bass clarinet, mellophone, baritone, drums and euphonium, lawn mower and travel expenses.
At the last two band competitions, the Pride of Shelby County Band and Starlettes Dance Team under the direction of Angel Goodwin won first place awards:  Two Best in Class Dance Team; two Best in Class Band; Best in Class Percussion; Best in Class Woodwinds; and straight one scores.
Way to go SCHS Band, you are truly the Pride of Shelby County!