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Drummer, partner ready for D.C. [UPDATED]
Published 7:49am Monday, January 14, 2013 Updated 10:59am Monday, January 14, 2013Andrew Johnson is excited, but a little nervous, for his upcoming trip to Washington D.C. for the Fergus Falls Marching Band’s performance in the presidential inauguration parade next week.
“It’s hard to say all the things I’m feeling, but it’s one of those things not everyone gets to participate in it,” Johnson said.
Johnson, a junior, is in the drum line. He said the drum line has been practicing a lot for the event.
“One of the important things is just making sure you know the music,” Johnson said.
Due to a medical condition, Johnson will be in a wheel chair during the parade, but that is the only time he needs to use it.
Theresa Lee, who helps Andrew by wheeling him during the band’s performances, will be going to Washington D.C. with Andrew, and her daughter, who will also be in the parade. She explained that Andrew has to use the chair because he can’t use his crutches and play the cymbals at the same time.
She was recruited to help with the band three years ago and has been helping Andrew since then. Andrew said he originally joined the band so he could hang out with his friends.
“Sometimes it’s nerve-racking,” Lee said of helping out with the band. “I have to watch out for drum sticks so we don’t go over them.”
Lee’s career is working payroll at Otter Tail Power, but she finds time to help out. And she is happy Andrew has expressed interest in accounting as a possible career.
Lee said the fundraising has been on her mind a lot these days. For 30 years, she has been a member of the Fergus Falls Band Boosters.
“We had to raise $60,000 in three weeks. We didn’t find out about making it until Dec. 19, so raising funds seemed difficult since it fell during Christmas break,” Lee said. “But the community has really come through. They really rallied for the band.”
Adam’s father, Erik, is a manager at Applebee’s and the restaurant hosted a pancake fundraiser Saturday.
