On May 27, 2016 the New York Mets will be playing the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field, and if the Stamford High band sells enough tickets, they could be playing the National Anthem there too. What started out as a way to fundraise without bake sales has turned into a school wide fundraising event and an opportunity of a lifetime. Tickets for the upper deck are on sale for $28 and are being sold by the band, senior class and other various clubs around Stamford High, even in middle schools such as Rogers International School. The fundraiser is open to all clubs, and the goal is to sell at least 350 tickets.

At the beginning of the year bake sales were banned, so clubs were forced to find alternate ways of fundraising. George Beratis, SHS Band Director, said “We had to make up money for the bake sales and so did all the other groups at Stamford High, so why don’t we invite everyone to do it?” Since the ban was removed, this has turned from a school fundraiser to a community event. Sairam Sivakumar, senior band member, said that he is a little “uneasy about the large crowd, but once you start playing it feels good, especially with a responsive crowd”. All 53 members of the band will be in attendance.

Beratis is optimistic about the sale of over 350 tickets, and said, “If we get 350 we get to play the National Anthem, if we don’t we all just get to have an awesome day at the stadium.”

Beratis was also recently nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award. He is very thankful to be nominated and recognized for the role the band has played around Stamford. “Band is a great place to be in the school, and is known around the community.”