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JMHS Band Program 2020/21 Tag Day |
On behalf of more than 150 James Madison High School Band and Color Guard members, thanks for visiting our website. Normally, our students would be out knocking on doors the second weekend in September during our annual Thank A Donor (TAG) Day fundraiser. Obviously, this year is different. Hopefully, you’ve found the Tag we left on your door and come to support our band with a donation for 2020.
TAG Day proceeds support the James Madison High School Band program, “the Pride of Vienna”. Competition performances have earned our Band a reputation of excellence across the state, region, and nation. We are one of only a few Bands to hold two prestigious Sudler Flags of Honor (an international award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation). Our Marching Ensemble won the VMBC Virginia State Championship in 2018 and 2019, the first two years of its existence, and thus we are the only Band ever to earn the title. In 2019, we also won the BOA Mid East Regional, the first Virginia Band to do so in 40 years. That victory qualified us for Grand Nationals in Indianapolis, the National Championship for Marching Ensembles, where we finished 29th overall and 2nd among Class AAA schools.
Because Fairfax County does not fully fund the music program, the band and guard students and the Band Parents organization must raise the money to provide the high caliber of instruction and assistance required to maintain our record of excellence. Your TAG DAY contribution, which is tax deductible, will be used to fund
- Travel and entry fees for regional and national marching and performance competitions
- Instruments and equipment — last year’s TAG DAY helped the band purchase several new instruments
- Superior instructors that specialize in each section of the band — many of our instructors play in the area’s leading venues such as “The President’s Own”
- Student leadership training and student awards
While COVID-19 has disrupted our 2020 schedule, our success is built upon the activities and instruction that occur outside of the public eye, and this year is no exception. Although our performance schedule remains uncertain, the students and staff are still working hard to prepare for our return. We know that many of you have been affected by current events and may not be able to provide your usual support, but if you can, the band needs you this year more than ever.
Tag Day Chairs, Greg and Katie Gurski, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Booster Treasurers, Rachel Paci and Kristen Rothrock, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
