Bob Jones High School Band has been invited to perform at the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Fla. on Dec. 29. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – With a little help from their friends, students in Bob Jones High School Band will represent the City of Madison at a bowl game this year.

“It is with great pride that I inform you that the Bob Jones Patriot Band has been invited to perform at the Russell Athletic Bowl (formerly the Citrus Bowl) in Orlando, Fla. on Dec. 29,” Bob Jones Band Director Leigh Thomas said. “An invitation to perform is the highest possible honor given to a high school music program.”

For information about Russell Athletic, visit shop.russellathletic.com.

The invitation resulted from the hard work and dedication of the students, faculty and staff, Thomas said. She describes the bowl trip as a “once-in-a-lifetime performing opportunity” for the Bob Jones students.

The price tag for the trip to Orlando is more than $75,000. “Unfortunately, the band does not receive any financial support from the school system beyond instructional salaries. The expense of this trip must be borne by student fees and fundraising,” Thomas said.

The band is asking local businesses and organizations to assist with the expense of the event. “Any money that we raise will go directly to lowering the cost of the trip for the band,” Thomas said.

With their appearance in Orlando, Bob Jones Band will be an official representative for the citizens of Madison. “Your tax-deductible donation will help our deserving band members offset the cost of their trip,” Thomas said.

In their latest marching competition, Bob Jones Band won first place in the “Overall Visual” category and fifth place overall for all competing bands at the highly competitive USBands Southeastern Championship in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Kevin Smart serves as assistant band director at Bob Jones. Cindy Leaphart is president of Bob Jones Band Boosters.

For more information, email to Thomas at lsthomas@madisoncity.k12.al.us, Smart at ksmart@madisoncity.k12.al.us or Leaphart at cindyleaphart@gmail.com.