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Elks Lodge Spreads Holiday Cheer with $2,000 Gift to Coral Springs Middle Band

by Ryan Yousefi December 16, 2023

by Ryan Yousefi December 16, 2023 50 views

Elks Lodge Spreads Holiday Cheer with $2,000 Gift to Coral Springs Middle Band

Pompano Beach Elks Lodge #1898 donates $2,000 to the Coral Springs Middle School Band. {courtesy}

By Ryan Yousefi

In a gesture fit for the holiday season, the Pompano Beach Elks Lodge #1898 has donated $2,000 to the Coral Springs Middle School Band.

The generous Elk’s Lodge donation was presented to the band during the Winter Holiday Concert on December 6.

Ryan Maker, chair of the Elks Youth Activities Committee, recently chatted with Coral Springs Talk to shed light on the significance of the Pompano Beach Elks Lodge #1898’s contribution, sharing that the donation is expected to go a long way in helping the band hone their skills.

“It is our understanding that the donation will help with various needs, including, but not limited to, professional clinician lessons, equipment, parts-repairs, uniforms, food, travel, and their end-of-year banquet.”

Following his experience taking in their performance at the Winter Holiday Concert, Maker expressed his admiration for the Coral Springs Middle School Band’s dedication.

“From the warm-up exercises of the beginning band to the performance of the more advanced Wind Ensemble and the finale of the Marching Stallions, one could see or visualize the progression of the band members’ work and dedication.

Maker says the multiple members of the Elk Lodge team were on hand for the Winter Holiday Concert and donation presentation, making it an experience that felt deeper as the crew witnessed the band members’ performances firsthand.

“Pam Carter, Yasmin Maker, and I attended the concert, Maker said, adding, “Pam is a long-time member and mother of the Booster Program President – James Carter.”

Having seen the band environment himself, Maker shared how impressed he was with the role of Band Director Alexander Arcia.

“It was clear due to the number of band students that he is running a very popular program at the school and had a good relationship with his student musicians.”

Maker adds that it’s clear the band members get their talents from their director, as Arcia’s multi-tasking was on full display during the event.

“Arcia led the band through various exercises and musical performances while also addressing the audience and informing the audience as to what exercises were being done, musical pieces were being played, and some information on upcoming events.”

Moving forward, Maker shared that his hope is the Elk-band relationship will continue.

“While future sponsorships are not guaranteed, it is hoped that the relationships developed will help maintain lasting lines of communication and potentially open the door for additional Elk-sponsored programs.”

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiple outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.