Roof Leaks Damage Star Spencer HS Band Instruments

A new band director is taking on a big job at Star Spencer High School.

She's trying to revive a struggling music program. But she's dealing with setbacks, most of which are out of her control.

Crystal Fitzgerald, a first year band director has some pretty big dreams for Star Spencer's band program.

But constant roof leaks caused the band hall roof to cave in, ruining instruments. It has made her job of reigniting a band program extremely difficult. 

It's the pride of Star-Spencer High school, known to many as the "Big Bad Marching Machine”.

“Usually at the beginning of the school year, you would be working on music,” said Star Spencer High School’s Band Dir., Crystal Fitzgerald.

But she says that's been a struggle.

“It’s coming along. It’s a slow process. I’m not thinking that this is going to happen overnight, of course it’s going to take some time,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald says she has about 25 students, and there are barely enough instruments to go around.

“They get to the point they get discouraged,” said Fitzgerald.

Severe leaks in the roof of the band hall and instrument room don't make things any better.

“Our instruments first of all was in terrible condition, plus with the rain, the mold over the summer,” said Fitzgerald.

There was a leak as recent as Friday morning where the band uniforms are kept.

“Over here it was really wet. It wet some uniforms up,” said Fitzgerald.

But, Crystal is on a mission, and she has the support of her principal when it comes to providing resources. 

“Disheartening because I know the students want to perform. I know the director wants to provide the instruction,” said Principal Chris Gardner.

Chris Gardner says the district is attempting to address these issues.

“I’m used to it,” said Fitzgerald. “I just have to take it for what it is and just go with the flow.”

Star Spencer's principal says the communication lines to the district are open when it comes to critical repairs and steps are being taken to fix widespread leaks at the school.