A Call to Support Bucktail Music: Our Students Need You

By Autumn Gavlock
FARWELL — The Bucktail Band & Choir Booster Club is issuing an urgent call to parents and community members as it struggles to maintain the support needed to keep Bucktail’s music programs thriving. The club—responsible for providing funding, volunteer assistance, and event support for both band and choir—has seen a steady decline in participation, putting crucial opportunities for students at risk.

The Bucktail Band & Choir Booster Club plays an essential role behind the scenes: helping cover the cost of uniforms, instruments and repairs, student travel, and performances that enrich not only the school but the entire Bucktail community. Music education teaches teamwork, discipline, perseverance, creativity, and critical thinking, and research consistently links participation in the arts to higher academic achievement and increased confidence. Supporting the program is more than attending concerts—it is an investment in students’ growth and long-term success.

What Booster Club Members Do
Membership extends far beyond attending meetings. Volunteers contribute according to their availability and strengths—planning and staffing fundraisers, donating baked goods, bottled water, and performance snacks, assisting senior students with projects, or sharing specialized skills that benefit the program. Last year, Booster members hosted Renovo’s first-ever Daddy-Daughter Dance, supported music events such as Bud-stock, and volunteered at Bucktail football games selling concessions and merchandise.

The opportunities to help are broad; what the club lacks is people.

This decline mirrors a national trend in volunteerism, but small programs like music—already operating with limited resources—are especially vulnerable. The next Booster Club meeting will be held Tuesday, December 9 at 5:45 p.m. in the Bucktail Area High School cafeteria, following marching band rehearsal. Even attending one meeting a month can make a meaningful difference.

Leadership and Student Achievements
The music program is under the direction of Miss Abby Novak, who joined Bucktail at the start of the 2025–2026 school year. A Western Pennsylvania native, she holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from IUP and a Master’s in Music Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her experience across marching band, wind ensemble, orchestra, and pit orchestra has already strengthened the program, and her passion for making music accessible to younger learners shows each time students take the field or stage.
The Bucktail Marching Band recently completed its first season under her leadership and is preparing for several upcoming performances:

•Renovo Santa Parade — November 30 at 4:00 p.m.

•Magic in the Air — December 13 at 6:00 p.m.

•Bucktail Band & Choir Christmas Concert — December 16 at 6:00 p.m.

After the holidays, attention turns to competitive festivals. Four Bucktail choir students will participate in the PMEA District Choir Festival on January 10, and three band students will attend the PMEA District Band Festival on February 7. These accomplishments highlight both the students’ dedication and the support system required to make participation possible.

Why the Booster Club Matters
From purchasing instruments and uniforms to organizing events and supporting students at rehearsals and performances, the Booster Club ensures young musicians have the resources they need to succeed. As one 10th-grade band member shared, “Knowing that there are people supporting us behind the scenes motivates me to work harder and be proud of what we accomplish as a band.”

However, despite consistent outreach—adjusting meeting times, giving speeches at events, distributing handouts, sending letters home, posting regularly on social media, and sharing meeting information in The Record’s Community Calendar—the club has been unable to attract new members. Without fresh volunteers, the Booster Club is at risk of dissolving entirely.

Community members are encouraged to attend a meeting, share ideas for outreach, or ask questions about getting involved. Anyone interested can contact Miss Novak at anovak@kcsd.k12.pa.us.

A Reporter’s Perspective
As both a journalist covering this issue and an active parent serving as the Booster Club secretary, I have witnessed firsthand the impact this support system has on our students. Over the past year and a half, the program has grown significantly, and under Miss Novak’s direction, students are more motivated than ever to take on performances, festivals, and competitions.

I also see every day how fragile that progress is. Busy schedules, work commitments, and long days can make volunteering feel impossible—but the loss of the Booster Club would mean lost opportunities for students who have shown tremendous dedication and talent. They deserve a community that meets their effort with support.
Keeping the Music Alive

Parents, grandparents, alumni, and community members: your involvement matters. By volunteering, attending meetings, or contributing in small but meaningful ways, you help ensure that students continue to learn, perform, and grow through music.

The Bucktail Band & Choir Booster Club is more than just a support group—it is a lifeline for the artistic and educational development of our youth.

Please help us keep the music alive within our schools.