Send Our Band to the Percy Grainger Invitational
Each year the Percy Grainger Invitational gathers a small, hand-selected group of top high school wind ensembles from across the country to perform for, learn from, and be coached by some of the most respected conductors and composers in the world of wind band music.
Being invited is a rare honor. It places our students alongside the best young musicians in the nation, gives them a world-class performance experience, and represents Asheville High School and our entire community on a national stage.
The Trip
Dates: March 11–14, 2027
Destination: Chicago, Illinois
Who’s going: The Asheville High School Wind Ensemble — approximately 100 student musicians, plus directors and chaperones.
What they’ll do: Perform at the Percy Grainger Invitational, participate in clinics with nationally-recognized conductors, attend performances by other elite ensembles, and take in the cultural sights of Chicago.
“The Percy Grainger Invitational is the kind of experience students carry with them for the rest of their lives. We are honored to be invited, and we intend to show up and shine.”
— Rodney Workman, Director of Bands
The Cost
Traveling a full wind ensemble across the country is expensive. Charter transportation, lodging, meals, registration, and equipment transport all add up — and the per-student cost depends on how many students travel together.
| Students Traveling | Cost Per Student |
|---|---|
| 100 students | $1,529 |
| 90 students | $1,609 |
The more students we send, the lower the per-student cost — and the stronger the ensemble sounds on that national stage. Your donation directly reduces what each family pays out of pocket and helps ensure no student is left behind because of cost.
Our Fundraising Goal
We’re raising $25,000 to offset trip costs for our students.
How You Can Help
Every contribution — from $10 to $10,000 helps a student play in Chicago. Donations to the Asheville High School Band Association are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donate by Mail
Make checks payable to Asheville High School Band Association and mail to:
Asheville High School Band Association
PO Box 772
Asheville, NC 28803
Please write “Chicago – Percy Grainger Trip” in the memo line.
Share the Campaign
Not in a position to give right now? Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and local businesses who support music education. Word of mouth is one of our most powerful fundraising tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Asheville High School Band Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You’ll receive a receipt for your records.
Can I sponsor a specific student?
Donations go into a general trip fund that reduces costs for all traveling students. If you’d like to support a specific student directly, please contact us at [BAND_ASSOC_EMAIL].
What exactly does my donation pay for?
Charter bus, hotel lodging, group meals, festival registration fees, equipment transport (including percussion and large instruments), and on-site logistics for the ensemble.
What happens if the trip doesn’t reach its goal?
We are committed to sending our students to Chicago. Shortfalls are covered by the Band Association’s general fund, which limits what we can do for future programming. Reaching our goal means our students travel and the program stays strong next year.
Who do I contact with questions?
Reach out to the Asheville High School Band Association at [BAND_ASSOC_EMAIL] or visit our main site at ashevillehsband.membershiptoolkit.com.
Thank You for Supporting Our Musicians
Every student who walks onto that Chicago stage will carry the generosity of this community with them.
