Niles marching band boosters raising money for safe trip to Disney
Parents of students in the Niles McKinley Marching Band are working to raise money to support next spring’s trip to one of the most magical places on Earth.
Through the Niles McKinley Red Dragon Band Boosters, a 501-3c nonprofit organization, parents and community members work year round to support the Niles McKinley Marching Band.
Every dollar the organization raises goes back to paying for students’ performances and travel engagements for the band, including the upcoming trip to the Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios in 2026.
Heidi Preusser is the president of Niles McKinley Red Dragon Band Boosters.
“It would mean the world to us to see our goal fulfilled because it ensures that we, as the Boosters, will be able to give more financial assistance to our students for this trip and not have to worry about the cost of the truck and all the logistics that go into it,” Preusser said.
They’re looking to raise $4,000 to cover the travel expenses, including renting a truck that’ll be able to safely transport band members’ equipment, uniforms and student luggage safely to and from Florida.
The cost includes a truck rental that’ll be large enough to carry all instruments and gear, as well as mileage, fuel and accommodations for the driver for the round trip to Orlando.
“The kids work so hard, and moments like these make lifelong memories and that is truly at the heart of our goal,” Preusser said.
The students will get the opportunity to march down Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom on April 8, 2026.
“This is a long-standing tradition for the Red Dragons Marching Band,” Preusser said. “Every four years, our students travel to Orlando to perform. It’s a rigorous application process, and being selected by the Disney Committee is a tremendous honor. This opportunity allows our students to represent both Niles City Schools and our community with pride on a national stage.”
Back in 2018, Preusser got to go to Orlando with her oldest son, and now her two younger children will be traveling together on the 2026 trip.
“Our Band Director, Mr. Stephen Orlando, will be leading the students. This will be his third trip to Florida with the Niles Band, continuing a proud legacy of musical excellence and tradition,” she said. “This marks my tenth marching season with the band and my third year as Booster President, and it continues to be an honor to serve such an incredible program and group of students.” The Niles Band Boosters will be hosting their annual Purse Bingo fundraiser on February 28, 2026, at the Eastwood Event Center, which helps support this and other band opportunities throughout the year. The Niles Red Dragons Marching Band will be performing on Dec. 5 in the Youngstown Holiday Parade.
Visit GoFundMe to support the Niles McKinley Marching Band’s trip.
