Life on the road can be tough for a band member. Those buses aren’t always comfortable, and 18 shows in four days can really wear a person down. But when the Truckee High Band goes on tour this spring, all that effort will be far worth the reward.

For the twelfth time in as many years, 50-some Truckee High band students will hop on a bus and give free performances at various locations between Sacramento and Napa Valley, including the veteran’s clinic at Mather Field, children’s hospitals, retirement homes and nursing homes.

“A lot of the people we play for are alone. It’s especially amazing to see old men cry when they hear their fight song play,” said junior Kenna Smith. “We can keep our tradition of music alive and see those who can’t get out much.”

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Despite free accommodations, the band tour is still a costly endeavor. It costs $7,000 to $9,000 just to pay for the bus and some meals. The students pick up the remaining costs of food, and typically sleep on the floors of community and worship centers.

To raise money for the tour, the band students will hold their annual telethon on Truckee Tahoe Community Television channel 6.

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Student-produced commercials will also run during the telethon.

Any remaining telethon funds will go toward music scholarships, instrument repair and maintenance, and uniforms that require funds for repair, replacement, and maintenance yearly.

Last year the telethon brought in about $6,500, according to band director Dave Green, but this year students said they are hoping for something closer to $8,000.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and without this, we can’t go on tour,” said band president Garrett Thompson. “It’s definitely worth long days and sleeping on floors.”