“We really had a special bond,” she said.

“We spent so much time together practicing in school, out of school and on the weekends.”

Which is why, after attending Wando’s 20 year reunion in October, Garcia was disappointed most band members chose not to attend.

A former rebel in the age of Facebook, Garcia surrendered and joined the network, which led her to finding many of her fellow band alumni, and prompted her to begin organizing a first-ever Wando band reunion.

Since last November, Garcia has been contacting every 1977 to 1995 band alumni she can find. What these classes share is Basil Kerr, band director during those 18 years, who will also be attending the reunion.

Although Garcia wanted to include band alumni from all classes, she said she had to start somewhere, and contacting that many people would have been too much.

However, Garcia expects Wando band reunions to become a tradition all band members can participate in. “I do see it growing and future events down the road,” she said.

But for now, Garcia has her hands full. She’s contacted about 200 people, but without any school records, she doesn’t know how many are out there.

The people she has contacted say they are eager to reunite with their fellow band members.

In Garcia’s Facebook group – “I want a Wando band reunion!!” – the questions, “Would you do it again?” and “What has it meant to you?” are posted.

People have said band was what got them through high school. Some say it’s the sole reason they stayed.

“It definitely makes an impact on individuals,” Garcia said.

“There are people who graduated 30 years ago who have never gone to a single reunion because they weren’t interested, but who are coming to the band reunion.”

The four-day reunion will be held from Oct. 8-11. Activities include Wando’s homecoming game that Friday and a Saturday night reception at Liberty Taproom & Grill.

A portion of ticket sales from Saturday night and any donations will be given to the Wando band scholarship fund.

“We wanted to give something to the kids who are there now,” Garcia said.

“No student should be denied being in the band because of financial reasons.”

Garcia is still searching for more 1977 to 1996 band alumni.

For reunion details or if you want to attend the reunion, visit www.wandoband.com or e-mail Garcia at wandobandreunion@gmail.com.