July 28: ABOB General Meeting
               AHS Band Room 7:00pm

      ABOB, or the Alton Band and Orchestra Builders, was founded in 1951. The purpose of this volunteer organization is the promotion, encouragement and sustenance of music in the Alton public schools. Funding is provided through ABOB for instrument purchases and repairs, transportation of students and equipment to state and district festivals and contests, music purchases, and stipends for supplemental music instruction and marching band instrumental staff. ABOB also provides scholarship monies to several talented young musicians each year. The students then attend music camps in order to refine their skills or use the award money for private instruction.
 

 ABOB Sponsored Events

In addition to the traditional candy sales and cheese and sausage sales, ABOB hosts four major fund raising projects each year which benefit all levels of the Alton band and orchestra program.

 Echoes Off the River
“Echoes” is the annual marching band competition which began in 1985. It, too, is held at Public School Stadium. This marching competition has grown in popularity among the bi-state area high school bands. Though the 2007 competition has been cancelled, Echoes will return to the Riverbend in 2008..   Contact:  halpinmus1@aol.com

Olde Alton Arts & Crafts Fair
ABOB proudly hosts its annual Arts and Crafts Fair during the first Saturday and Sunday each December. Crafters from Missouri and Illinois peddle their wares to the standing room only crowd!   Contact:  oldealton@charter.net

Music Matters
Music Matters is the annual ABOB dinner and auction which also helps support the band and orchestra program. In addition to a tasteful sit-down dinner,  while enjoying music provided by orchestra and band ensembles, guests wander the silent auction and place bids. After dinner, a “live” auction takes place.  Contact: gotto@charter.net
 
Trivia Night
Trivia Night is a new annual ABOB event which is held in the fall of each year.  This is an evening of fun with friends and supporters of the music program.  Cash prizes,  raffles for specialty baskets and a 50/50 drawing, are included in this evening of fun for family, friends and supporters of the district music program.   Contact:   amathus1211@yahoo.com or dewittkj@charter.net