KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 14, 2019
By Jennifer Miko
Mark your calendars for the James E. Taylor High School Band March-A-Thon this Saturday, August 17, rain or shine. Students from the “JET” band and color guard will entertain the community and raise funds for their program.
For 10 years, the JET Band from Taylor High School (THS) has paraded through the streets of Katy. The March-A-Thon is the band’s largest fundraising activity and showcases their talented students.
Where to Follow the March-A-Thon
March-A-Thon begins at 8:00 am this Saturday at the THS parking garage. From there, the JET Band will march to Randall’s for the Alumni Concert.
Check the JET Band website for a map of the March-A-Thon route.
Building over the Years
March-A-Thon began as a smaller event, covering six miles close to THS. The group would have lunch at Memorial Parkway Junior High and then move by bus to the second half of the route and finish back at THS.
Two years ago, the March-A-Thon route was expanded to include the entire feeder pattern, with the JET Band visiting neighborhoods with families zoned to THS.
This year, the JET Band will be bussed to different schools (Wolfe Elementary, Memorial Parkway Elementary, McMeans Junior High, Hayes Elementary, and Pattison Elementary, including stops at Randall’s and Epiphany Catholic Church). Then they march in the neighborhoods around each community.
The March-A-Thon route covers a total of 7.5 miles, and should wrap up around 4:00 pm.
Crowd-pleasing Song List
The JET Band will play a series of crowd favorites including “Sweet Caroline” and “Party in the USA.” Plus, they’ve added new songs this year: “Twist and Shout,” “Believer,” and more. The color guard will performing routines to "Cut to the Feeling," Sucker" and "No Excuses."
“They have sung “Happy Birthday” to family members, played favorite kid’s songs to the directors’ kids, and had kids following on bikes and pulled in wagons!" says Shakria Luna, JET Band Booster Club President. “You can’t miss them coming down the street with the Katy ISD police, EMS and drum line!”
Supporting the Band
To raise funds, the JET Band offers sponsorship options and mini-concert and color guard performances. Special March-A-Thon performance requests range from $150 - $350. Check the JET Band website to buy a mini-concert, or make a donation. The JET Band is a non-profit 501c3 organization.
“The JET Band sincerely appreciates the generous support of the community over the past ten years and looks forward to continuing to represent Taylor High School with pride in the years to come,” says Luna.