Rumors suggested the trip had been cancelled.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Phillipsburg High School's marching band still plans to perform in the 2017 Orange Bowl.
But they could use some help getting there.
The Stateliners are scheduled to be the only high school band in the Dec. 30 bowl game in the Miami suburbs.
In an email Monday to lehighvalleylive.com, a resident -- citing Facebook postings saying the same -- complained that the band would have to cancel its trip due to lack of funds.
In response, schools Superintendent Greg Troxell on Tuesday posted on Facebook a letter from music director Kyle Fleming to "quell any misunderstanding."
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The letter says the band trip has the district's full support. To cover the planned $1,600-per-student cost, the band's 142 members and a booster organization have been "aggressively fundraising" since November.
However, costs for the flight will be greater than planned, the letter says. To cover the difference, the band is seeking funding from outside sources.
Fleming told lehighvalleylive.com that the boosters have been taken aback by the support.
"The Phillipsburg Stateliner Band has and will continue to promote music education in our school district as well as loyally support all athletic programs and community events," Fleming said. "We are humbled by the incredible response from our supporters within the Phillipsburg community."
Anyone interested in making a donation is asked to visit the band's website, www.phillipsburgband.com, for more information.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.