Las Cruces high-band equipment stolen from competition in Albuquerque; Loss exceeds $ 200k

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A box truck of more than $ 200,000 worth of band equipment belonging to the Las Cruces High School Showcase band was stolen in Albuquerque prior to the band’s competition on Saturday.

“As soon as we heard the news, everything froze and our hearts fell,” says Lorraine Leachman, LCHS Showcase Band Fundraising Chair. “These children have worked tirelessly, devoting themselves to their passion for music and each other; It was absolutely heartbreaking to imagine all this trouble stolen from the kids. “

Band members and parents found out about the news when they boarded a bus in Las Cruces that was heading to Albuquerque for the competition.

One parent, Heather Doolittle, says their daughter is the captain of the Color Guard and that the Color Guard flags were in the stolen truck.

1 dead, 7 injured in shooting at party in Georgia

“She was really disappointed that the flags they had been practicing with would not be available. They found others and made some substitutions during the show, but it wasn’t who they were training with, ”said Doolittle.

These changes came from the New Mexico State University Marching Band to ensure the students had everything they needed to perform. In addition, the University of New Mexico Marching Band and other high schools offered assistance to the students at Las Cruces High School.

“The performance has to go on … the support was incredibly touching. I’m so proud of the way the students encouraged each other and put on a great show despite the challenge this morning! “

Ty Frederick, LCHS band director

Despite the challenges, parents tell KTSM 9 News that the Las Cruces High School Showcase band took fourth place in the competition and advanced to the finals.

The Las Cruces High School Showcase band board says the band members are collecting donations for their equipment. The band seeks community help to replace the stolen equipment.

A link can be found on the Las Cruces High School Showcase Band website or you can contact [email protected].