If you have ever been in a school band, you know that at some point a fundraiser has to happen. After all, a great talented band comes with expenses. But people can only take so much of those brochures filled with chocolate, candles, cookie dough, and other various items to buy. The Cameron Dragon Band needed a more creative way to raise funds. So what did they do? They decided to have a trivia night for their annual fundraiser, which was hosted by the Cameron Band Boosters on March 13 at the United Methodist Church.

"We've done Jamaican Night Out for several years," said Band Director Shane Jones, "and in the last couple, we had a little smaller attendance, so we thought we'd try to do something different. I know some other organizations do it [trivia night] around here, too, but we thought we would try it and see how it went, and I think it went very well."

This wasn't the first year the idea of a trivia night was suggested. "We've been talking about doing it for three or so years," Mr. Jones said. "I know the Lovejoys have talked about it before and I know that Mr. Duren has talked about it before. We just eventually decided to try it and see what happens."

Trivia Night consisted of seven teams: Inglorious Bassmaster, 8 Is Enough, Goebel For Broke, The Cameron Newspaper, The Mathletes, Average Joes Gym, and The Leftovers. Each team had to pay $75 to enter, or individuals could pay $10 to be placed on a team. They played ten rounds of ten questions about various topics. The team with the most correct answers won. In the end, it was Goebel For Broke who rose victorious. Of course, each team was able to leave with something. Some of the prizes included free movie rentals, free bowling coupons, tanning certificates, pedicure certificates, and even jewelry.

The money raised will be used for various reasons. "Just the general equipment needs of the band," said Mr. Jones. "Every time we have a competition, someone breaks a stick or an instrument gets damaged. We have to be able to buy music and instruments. There's always something."

Overall, Trivia Night was met with a favorable reception.

Band Booster President Jeri Johnson-Patti from Goebel For Broke said, "I had good time. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not a big trivia person, but I had a good time. I'd like to see this [next year] and add more to it."

Junior Kaylie Botts from Average Joes Gym agreed. "I'd definitely like to see Trivia Night next year. It was just a lot of fun and I enjoy stuff with questions and answers." She also said she enjoyed helping the band.

"It worked out really well," said Band Co-Director Blake Duren, "because there wasn't a high level of things we had to buy for this event or put out money ahead of time, so it actually worked really great as a funraiser and everyone who came said they really enjoyed it. I think it's something we can try again next year."

So if you have a knack for trivia and want to help support the Cameron Dragon Band, keep an eye out for another possible Trivia Night. Not only will you be showing off what you know, but you will also be helping out a talented group of students!