When the music program at Cranston East was figuratively handed lemons, in the form of transportation budget cuts in the middle of the marching band season five years ago, what else could they do but make melodic lemonade? Music department supervisor for Cranston, and instructor at East, Mark Colozzi and his "band" of supporters made some very tasty lemonade indeed. It came in the form of parents, students and alumni working a concessions booth at Gillette stadium. According to Colozzi, approximately $15,000 to $20,000 is raised each year.

But now with fewer music programs across the school system, and as a result fewer involved parents and volunteers, this major source of revenue is threatened and so, too, is the future of the band.

The band program at East is a nationally ranked and actively competitive program. Started 28 years ago when Colozzi took over, the band has won many prestigious awards, including the 2008 Class 3 Open New England Marching Band Champions, U.S. Bands; Grand Champion at the Orlando Music Festival; Grand Champion at the Williamsburg Music Festival; and the Top 4 Placement at the Berklee Jazz Festival for three years.

In order for the band program to continue, it needs both young students with an interest and training in music and funds. With fewer music programs at the elementary and secondary levels, the band isn’t getting the students. And without the students, there aren’t the volunteers to run the concession stand at Gillette. By contract, the band is to staff the concession with 15. So far this year, they have been able to muster 11.

The East band is more of a drum and bugle corps style. This has provided a separate and unique identity for them throughout the city, state and country.

When the school department underwent a performance audit, instrumental instruction at the elementary school level was eliminated.

"We are at less than 50 percent the membership that we were prior to cuts in the music program within the past decade. It is past time for the school department to step up and help us. We've pulled off a miracle keeping this afloat," said Collozzi.

Colozzi referenced the budget a few years ago, when certain sports were going to be eliminated and the School Committee made efforts to seek sponsorships from Veolia Water and the Laborer's Charter School to fund the programs but did not make any efforts to save music.

"I could never wrap my head around why the music budget was cut completely but not sports. I believe in athletics as much as music for the kids, but why is there no parity or equity in the transportation budgets?" Colozzi said.

The incoming students into the East program just do not have the experience or exposure to instructional music like the previous classes had.

Bob Hassan, the band director for Park View Middle School, said the loss of experience makes teaching difficult.

"This year the Park View band has 48 members, which is up from 35 last year. However, there are 26 seventh graders but most are beginners with no previous experience. This is a doable challenge but my band will be playing at an elementary level," said Hassan.

Across town at Bain Middle School, band instructor Emily Johnson feels the same effects.

"There was a huge dip in enrollment when we lost that feeder. This year's enrollment is much higher than the past two years; I would say by at least 20 more students. At Bain, we currently have 25 eighth graders, and about 35 seventh graders in the band program," said Johnson.

Hassan said that there are currently seven students in total that participated in the BASICS Music is Instrumental program at Park View, and Johnson said there are no BASICS students in her program at Bain.

Past and current band parent Susan Halvarson, who is the invitational chairperson for this year, echoed Colozzi's sentiment.

"If Gillette goes away and we do not have the transportation budget reinstated, we will be unable to support a competitive marching band that travels to compete. Based on the numbers of seniors and juniors this year, the band numbers will continue to decline, reducing the number of current families able to help with Gillette. As predicted, the cutting of elementary music is killing the high school music programs," she said.

According to Gillette Coordinator Trish Heim, the association is contracted to work approximately 20 events, including all Patriots pre-season, regular season and post-season games (if needed), as well as three New England Revolution Soccer games, three UMASS Football games and three special events (usually concerts).

"We have the option of working additional events, as our availability permits, and that corresponds with the staffing needs of the stadium, i.e.: the Massachusetts High School Super Bowl Tournament, AAA Home Show, and other events that are held at the Stadium," said Heim.

They have to provide 15 volunteers per event, 12 of who must be over 18 years old. They can bring three students aged 16-17 years old to each event.

The money from Gillette goes to transportation, which includes buses and truck rental. They also pay for school building use during off hours. If they rehearse percussion ensemble on a Saturday, they pay for custodial overtime.

"We pay for buses and truck rental when needed to tote the trailer to rehearsals at the stadium and competitions," said Colozzi.

They pay membership fees in two competition circuits ($800); USBands and NE Scholastic Band Association (NESBA). NESBA requires weekly competition fees ($50). USBands requires championship fees ($1,500).

"The talent and enthusiasm is always there, but the level of preparation has dropped significantly due to students beginning instrumental instruction much later. Instruction is not offered until the seventh grade and is done in a much larger class setting than it was prior to the elimination of programs. Instrumental instruction in quality programs throughout the country are done in like instrument groups such as woodwinds with woodwinds, brass with brass, percussion with percussion. The way we offer it now with all instruments is like having algebra, geometry and calculus students all in the same class," said Colozzi.

The effects of losing Gillette money and the music program are being felt down to the elementary schools.

"I am sad that the tradition of Cranston East marching band may end. Both of my brothers went through the program and I am very upset that I may not be able to have the same experience and memories," said 11-year-old Hope Halvarson, a sixth grade student at Eden Park Elementary School.

Colozzi gives the credit of the success to the students who work so hard.

"On the bright side of it all, our kids are amazing, wonderful, fantastic, resilient, every adjective you can think of. What they lack in experience, they more than make up for with enthusiasm and hard work," he said.

To volunteer or help, contact Jean Ruggieri at JEANRUGG2569@cox.net.