IHS Band conducts car wash at Chicken Express in Waxahachie

Barry Byers Posted July 18, 2010 9:00am Italy Gladiator Band

Image: Fast food, clean cars and the IHS band washes on… — The Italy Gladiator Regiment Band conducted a fund-raising car wash at the Chicken Express Restaurant in Waxahachie on Saturday. The IHS Band hopes to raise funds for a spring break trip to Florida and compete in a week-long tournament. — Fast food, clean cars and the IHS band washes on… — The Italy Gladiator Regiment Band conducted a fund-raising car wash at the Chicken Express Restaurant in Waxahachie on Saturday. The IHS Band hopes to raise funds for a spring break trip to Florida and compete in a week-long tournament.

Putting their experience of cleaning finely tuned instruments to use, members of the Italy Gladiator Regiment Band held a fund-raising car wash at the Chicken Express restaurant in Waxahachie on Saturday. Now, half the cars in Ellis County sparkle as bright as the IHS Band does when they march on Friday nights.

That’s how we roll here in Texas, you can pick up an order of fried chicken and get your car washed, all in one stop. Michael Martinez kept everyone entertained with a groovy horn while Jennifer Hernandez, Chace McGinnis, Reid Jacinto and Melissa Smithey held signs along Ferris Avenue to steer in the business.

Working on the bucket brigade were Brett Kirton, Chase Hamilton, Jesica Wilkins, Makenzie Davis-Goodwin, Kortnei Johnson, Desi Brooks, Madison Washington, Reagan Cockerham, Bailey DeBorde, Zachary Mercer, Emily Stiles, Drenda Burk, Kevin Roldan, Zachary Latimer, Cruz Enriquez, Molly Haight, and birthday girl Brianna Perry.

Several Band Boosters/officers and band parents were on hand including Shirley Cullum, Kelly and Russ Lewis, Dee Dee Hamilton, Kathy Haight and Donna and Earl Goodwin, each of whom provided cleaning supplies.

Orchestrating the car wash was IHS band director Jesus Perez, “We are hoping to take band a trip to Florida during spring break and compete in a musical tournament. Sports teams use tournaments to get ready for the regular part of the season and to stay sharp throughout the year. A week-long band competition would be the same concept.”

The Gladiator Regiment Band wishes to thank Chicken Express and their general manager Nic Young, assistant general manager Martha McKinney and manager Josh Sufrett for allowing the band to conduct a car wash.

Chicken Express would like everyone to know they are currently offering a 10 piece dark meat special for just $6.99.

Gladiator Regiment Band, “The beat of champions.” And pretty good car washers too.

Humming while working — IHS Band members Kortnei Johnson, Zachary Mercer and Brett Kirton scrub-a-dub the cars.

Fun in the suds — Madison Washington, Emily Stiles and Drenda Burk sit in the suds while soaping another car.

Clean as a whistle — Bailey DeBorde diligently scrubs the tires.

It takes two — Kevin Roldan mans the hose while Brett Kirton soaps the side view mirror.

Teaming up — Reagan Cockerham scrubs the fender while Brett Kirton gets under the wiper.

Nice rhythm — IHS Band members march around the cars cleaning all the way.

Eat more chicken! — Jennifer Hernandez and Reid Jacinto hold the signs and Michael Martinez toots his own horn, all in an effort to attract customers to the Chicken Express Restaurant.

Plenty of autos — Drivers take advantage of the IHS Band fund-raising car wash.

You missed a spot — IHS Band director Jesus Perez raises his towel similar to when he conducts the band when playing their Christmas and spring concerts.

Bucket-o-fun — Melissa Smithey keeps the water flowing to the car washers.

Look out! — Bailey Deborde plans an unsuspecting attack on Reagan Cockerham. Did she or didn’t she pour it?

Perfect harmony — Melissa Smithey uses her height to clean the car tops while Makenzie Davis-Goodwin soaps the sides.

Your so nosy — Desi Brooks buries her nose into her work. Desi hopes to replace the soap on her nose with suntan lotion during spring break next year in Florida while competing in a band competition.

All clean now — Reid Jacinto will be able to skip his Saturday night bath after participating in the IHS Band car wash.

Dedication — Birthday girl Brianna Perry is having a birthday she will never forget.

Need a hand? — Briann Perry multitasks while Zachary Mercer dries off the back of the van.

Ready for Florida — Sporting their beach wear, IHS Band director Jesus perez and percussionist Kevin Roldan are ready to rock Florida over spring break.