Every year around Christmas time, the Stamford High Marching Band holds a fundraiser to help raise money for the expenses of their club by selling Christmas trees and wreaths. The fundraiser started in the beginning of December, and ends on December 24, depending on the availability of trees.

Every year band instructor George Beratis orders around 450 trees for delivery before Black Friday. However, once the fundraiser begins, it is usually not long until the trees sell out; according to Beratis, they are typically gone a week before Christmas day. This fundraiser is a huge contribution to the expenses of the marching band, and helps fund the trips they make to competitions all over the country.

This event is not only made possible by Beratis; it is a group effort. Each band member is required to volunteer for at least three sessions working the lot, each three hours long. “The kids get to help out the community, and the tips that they get go to a party fund for working at the tree lot; it’s a really great experience,” said Beratis. Their hours are Monday through Friday 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Come to the student parking lot and buy a tree to support your fellow Black Knights!