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Greenport Battle of the Bands would raise money for new microphones


FILE PHOTO


When the government required all TV broadcasters to stop sending analog signals last year and use only digital transmissions, it meant all televisions that depended on rabbit ears needed converter boxes.
It also meant that Greenport School’s wireless microphones didn’t work anymore.
After the nationwide phase-out, the government auctioned transmission frequencies formerly used for analog signals to commercial and local government users. That rendered obsolete the school’s wireless mics, which are important equipment for school plays, the Greenport Idol talent show and other events held in the school auditorium.
That’s the word from school computer guru Joe Capuano, a former district student who now functions as Greenport’s tech aide. The change didn’t affect any of the district’s hard-wired equipment, he said.
Hoping to raise about $4,000 to purchase new wireless microphones that would operate on a different frequency, district students are planning a Battle of the Bands at the school Friday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m.
The district purchased 12 wireless units about six years ago, Mr. Capuano said. He said he could manage with six to eight new units, which would cost about $500 each.
The 700 megahertz frequency on which the old units operated was taken over by the Federal Communications Commission and auctioned off, primarily to public services, including fire and police, Mr. Capuano said. A few Southold businesses also won bids to acquire the frequency, he said.
The school district’s budget — which auditors described as leaner than any they’d ever seen — has no money for new mics, Superintendent Michael Comanda said.
If the students can’t raise enough money, they would have to borrow mics from other schools or maybe from Peconic Landing, Mr. Capuano said.
The Battle of the Bands is the first of what is likely to be several fundraising events to help pay for the new units, he said.
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GREENPORT SCHOOL BATTLE OF THE BANDS
To benefit fund for purchase of new wireless microphones
Friday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
Greenport School Auditorium
Tickets: $10
Call 477-1950 for tickets or purchase them at the door