DeKalb school band needs help

DeKalb County's Redan High School's  "Blue Thunder Marching Band" in Stone Mountain has been selected  to compete in a "Battle of the Bands" in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 18 through Nov. 20, but the 200-member band needs to raise about $30,000 to make the trip, said parent coordinator Kimberly Jacobs. She said that so far the youths have raised about $1,500 but need more money to cover travel, hotel and other expenses. For information about upcoming fund raisers or to make a donation: www.redanbluethunder.com.