DawsonTimes.com

What : West Forsyth Band Hosts Harlem Wizards versus Forsyth Phantoms
When:  March 27 at 7 p.m.
Where:  West Forsyth High School Gymnasium, 4155 Drew Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Not many in Forsyth County would risk putting their team up against one that specializes in slap stick humor and trick entertainment, but at 7 p.m. on March 27 at West Forsyth High School, the Pride of the West Band is hoping their team's pain will be worth the gain in funding the purchase of desperately needed new instruments.

West Forsyth High School's "Pride of the West"  Band doubled in size this year and with limited funds the band is looking to the community to come out for a night of family entertainment and help support the band's mission of providing instruments for all those who want to play. Many do not realize the huge costs involved in establishing a high school band, according to Band Booster President, Angie Donohue. West Forsyth High School's band, which began in 1997 with just 50 members, doubled in 2008 and is expected to increase to 180 members in the fall of 2009. Uniforms, instruction and band instruments for such an organization can be expensive with just one bassoon or tuba costing $5,000, said Donohue.

With this in mind, the West Forsyth High School Band Boosters decided to organize a night that the entire family can come out and enjoy by seeing their favorite teacher, coach, or local celebrity play a fun game of basketball against the best basketball show team to "ever lace'em up and let them fly."

The audience just might see an amazing new trick, the extension of the Harlem's longest winning streak, or the wildest comedy gag they have ever seen. One thing is for certain, they will be thrilled, entertained and for a couple of hours will see that there is nothing more fun that the world of basketball.

Since the Harlem Wizards were first founded in 1962, the team has traveled all around the United States playing for schools, corporations and private events. However, rather than just playing a normal game of basketball, the Harlem Wizards perform tricks on the court such as shooting baskets behind their backs, jumping in midair and slamming the ball in the basket, and even jumping over other teammates to make a score. It's comedy basketball at its best and the main goal of the team is to entertain the fans and raise money for a worthy cause.

The Wizards will take on a worthy opponent, the Forsyth Phantoms, on March 27 in the West Forsyth High Gym. Teachers, coaches, local celebrities, and parents will complete the team rooster in hopes of knocking off the Wizards winning streak.

Come join in on the fun and support the band. Discount advance tickets, ($10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults) are available at Sun Deck Tanning, 1715 Friendship Circle Road, Hwy. 20, and the Curves on Post Road in the Midway Shopping Center. Tickets also will be available at the door on March 27 for $12 for students and seniors and $15 for adults.

For more information about the West Forsyth Band or to help sponsor this event contact Joanne Baskerville atharlemwizardswfband@comcast.net

or call 678-807-7618.