THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Monday, August 14, 1995                TAG: 9508140168
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: BEDFORD, VA.                       LENGTH: Medium:   56 lines

BAND'S ROLE AS STATE'S ENVOY LACKED 1 THING: CASH TO DO IT INVITED BY ALLEN TO A V-J FETE IN OMAHA, THE BAND HAD TO CANCEL: IT COULDN'T DRUM UP $40,000 IN 2 MONTHS.

Ryan Johnson was thrilled that Gov. George F. Allen invited the Jefferson Forest High School Band to represent Virginia in the 50th anniversary commemoration of V-J Day.

``When we found out we were going, we were excited,'' said Johnson, drum major for the 93-member band. ``We looked forward to it.''

The four-day celebration in early September in Omaha, Neb., will feature a military-style parade, military re-enactments and other ceremonies.

But there was a catch: Allen didn't offer for the state to pick up the tab for the trip.

The band boosters estimated that it would cost $40,000 to transport, house and feed the band for the five-day trip. They had two months to come up with the money.

They went to the Bedford County Board of Supervisors and School Board, but neither made any commitment.

``We had just started our fund raising when we went to the supervisors, and they told us to come back Aug. 14 after we knew how much we could raise on our own,'' said Marie Johnson, co-president of the boosters and Ryan Johnson's mother.

The youths raised nearly $26,000 by holding bake sales, car washes and rummage sales. They also wrote letters to businesses and went door to door.

But time has run out. Payment for the trip's expenses was due today, and the boosters have decided to cancel it.

Band director David Heim and the boosters considered alternatives to save money, but they decided that the trip wouldn't have been enjoyable for the students if it was rushed or too much was eliminated.

Even though the trip has been called off, Marie Johnson said that she might attend the supervisors meeting, even though she doesn't expect the band to get any money.

``Neither the state or county helped us,'' she said, ``but the community was really supportive, and we appreciate that.''

Band members had mixed reactions to the cancellation. Some were disappointed, but others said the band will have more time to practice for their upcoming marching season.

Marie Johnson said the band boosters will offer to return any contributions that were made for the trip. But they doubt that many will take back the money, and they expect to have enough to pay part of the cost of new uniforms and rain jackets. ILLUSTRATION: Allen

by CNB