September 9, 2026
Leesburg High’s Swarm of Sound Faces $63,000 Gap for New Uniforms
By Fred Griffin Jr.
Leesburg High’s Swarm of Sound Faces $63,000 Gap for New Uniforms
Leesburg High School’s Swarm of Sound is raising $80,000 to replace marching band uniforms that have been in use for 19 years.
The band plans to purchase 140 new uniforms, including undershirts, vests, bibbers, gauntlets, weskits and shakos. The program currently has 111 students.
Band Director Brandon Mason says the existing uniforms have been altered and repaired repeatedly over the years to keep them usable.
“They’ve been altered every year with extra fabric, pins and all sorts of other tricks to keep them usable,” Mason says. “While those repairs have helped extend the life of the uniforms, the program has reached a point where replacement is no longer simply about appearance. It is about providing students with uniforms that allow them to perform with confidence and pride.”
The current uniforms are nearly twice the average recommended lifespan, according to the program. Their condition can become a distraction for students, particularly when repairs involve pins or scrap fabric.
The new uniforms are part of a broader effort to rebuild and strengthen the Swarm of Sound. Since last year, students have participated in competitions and state-level assessments, while the program has introduced updated concert and jazz band uniforms, increased its community presence, updated its logo and restarted its booster organization.
Mason says new marching uniforms would help reflect that progress.
“These kids are out in the public eye dozens of times a year,” Mason says. “Whatever we can do to give them the best opportunity to feel and be successful, we’ll do.”
Students have been visiting local businesses and organizations to seek sponsorships, participating in fundraisers and performing at community events.
About $17,000 has been raised so far, leaving roughly $63,000 still needed.
“We have full faith that the full balance will be paid by the final payment deadline,” Mason says. “However, we have some backup plans in the event our fundraising falls short.”
The band is preparing additional fundraising efforts as it works toward the final payment.
For information or to donate, contact Brandon Mason, director of bands, at Masonb1@lake.k12.fl.us or 352-787-5047, ext. 7154.
Fred Griffin Jr. is a devoted husband, proud father of two daughters and a committed community leader who enjoys traveling. With more than two decades of experience supporting individuals with developmental and mental disabilities, he is deeply passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. He holds advanced credentials in Business Administration, a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Theology.
