Every so often, a project or program comes along that presents an opportunity for a newspaper to jump in and offer some promotional help. In the past, the Journal-World has been involved with various projects involving Kansas University or community groups.

Several months ago, Journal-World staff members learned of the need to replace uniforms for the KU marching band. The uniforms were old, falling apart and cannot be replaced. Along with the deteriorating uniforms, membership in the band had dropped to an embarrassingly low number.

For years, the KU band has been one of the university’s finest assets, a unit that always reflected credit on the school and the band members. Not long ago, the KU band received the prestigious Sudler Trophy, awarded to the nation’s finest university marching bands.

However, in recent years, the size of the band has dropped to such a degree that, this past fall, fans at KU home football games were asking, “What happened to the band?” KU football has not enjoyed a spectacular record in recent years, and many fans had commented, “The best part of coming to a KU football game is to see and hear the band.”

However, this changed, almost overnight. Membership in the band was down, and loyal, proud KU fans were concerned. They learned that not only were the KU band uniforms in terrible shape, but that KU band members, unlike their counterparts at many other universities, didn’t receive stipends.

University officials must have been aware of the growing alumni and student concern. The new dean of the school of fine arts, Steven Hedden, set about to correct the situation. New music and band staffers were hired, and the uniform and stipend situation was acknowledged.

The new director of bands, John Lynch, has been a strong proponent of rebuilding the KU band, and James Hudson, director of athletic bands, was brought to KU after a very successful career in building and directing a college band in Texas. Hudson has not slowed in his efforts to recruit new band members and bring the band back to its position of national prominence.

Recently, KU band and fine arts people happened to have a visit with members of the Topeka Jayhawk Club and told them of the uniform concerns.

The Topeka group has been a long-time, loyal supporter of KU-related efforts, and its members didn’t hesitate to offer to start raising money to buy new uniforms. They did, indeed, raise a substantial sum to kick off the drive. The Topeka group is headed by Larry Tenopir, with former KU football and basketball standout Otto Schnellbacher giving his enthusiastic support to the project.

Upon learning of the Topeka Jayhawk Club initiative, Journal-World staffers visited with fine arts and KU Endowment Association representatives and offered to have the newspaper lead a campaign to secure sufficient funds to buy 300 new uniforms. The current band numbers only 145, but it is hoped this will jump to about 170 by this fall and eventually increase to about 300.

It was decided to launch a quick drive to raise the $150,000 by March 1 to allow time to order the uniforms and have them for the first KU home football game on Sept. 4 against Tulsa.

It didn’t take long for KU fans to respond, and the names of donors were listed in the Journal-World several times a week. The $150,000 mark was topped fairly quickly, helped greatly by a gift of $50,000 from John and Linda Stewart. The couple gave $25,000 outright and promised another $25,000 if other donors would match that amount. Another important $22,000 gift was made by the KU Student Senate.

The new uniform design was unveiled this week, and, as might be expected, there are those who think it is great, while others are finding fault with the colors or other aspects of the outfit. This is likely to turn into a lively debate.

It is important to know that band members themselves were thrilled with the new uniform, and they believe it will help encourage many students to become part of the band.

Chances are, the majority of the alumni, friends and fans who have enjoyed the KU band over the years do not know that it costs band members about $200 apiece to pay insurance on their instruments, pay the cleaning bills for their uniforms and purchase the necessary shoes. They receive one hour of academic credit for being in the band, but they must pay tuition for that hour and dedicate considerable time to practicing with the band.

The Journal-World has enjoyed leading the uniform project, and is extremely pleased by the number of contributors from throughout the country. It’s clear these donors are enthusiastic and supportive of the band.

The evidence of their generosity and interest in KU will be on full display Sept. 4 in Memorial Stadium. They can be assured the band will put on an impressive musical performance in sparkling new uniforms. The KU football team, under the leadership of coach Mark Mangino, is projected to be an even better team next season. With a stronger team and a better band, spectators can expect a special and enjoyable day. Friends, fans and alumni should plan now to attend the game.

In the meantime, it should be noted that the deadline for the uniform drive is Sunday. Additional funds would be extremely helpful to ensure KU’s band will continue to grow and excel.

Thanks to the hundreds of band and university fans, alumni and friends for their quick and generous response to this enjoyable and successful financial drive. It’s been a big success in every sense — and cents. Thank you!