As time goes on and years pass by, different phrases and trends find popularity within the lives of high school students. Although teenagers no longer say, “totally tubular,” a more recent popular phrase states “Saturdays are for the boys.” However, on August 24, Saturday was not a day for the boys – it was a day for the band.  

Last Saturday, students of the Monarch Marching Band participated in their fourth annual March-A–Thon. This yearly tradition is a fundraiser in which members of the band march their parade sequence around the school neighborhoods in order to gain/raise donations from the people and houses they pass. This year’s March-A–Thon consisted of the band marching nine miles, and performing nineteen lawn concerts.  

“I think money wise this was about the same as last year’s, but I think that we had more positive feedback in emails from people in the community,” said band director Tim Keller. 

Although the donations are still in the process of being counted, Keller estimates the total profit to be around five-thousand dollars. These profits will have a major impact on what the band can do throughout the school year in terms of being able to buy new instruments and maintain their sound system.  

“Mr. Kalina is very generous with the budget dollars that he provides the band, but that’s limited as to what we can do,” Keller said. “Putting on a marching show is very expensive.” 

The financial expenses created by putting on these marching shows establishes a need for several band fundraisers throughout the year, but the March-A-Thon has consistently been one of the most successful.  

“The profit is so much higher and we’re keeping all of the profit,” Keller said. “Nobody is getting rich off of us because it’s using the students’ skills and talent as a product.” 

However, this ‘product’ cannot be formed without plenty of hard work and effort put into it by the band members. As a result of having to keep instruments at proper horn angles while also marching with correct “roll stepping” form, the March-A–Thon is physically taxing to its participants – especially when having to climb hills. 

“I was sore pretty much everywhere,” said junior drum major Clayton Lytle.  

Even though many members find the March-A-Thon exhausting, it is still an enjoyable event where the band can come together to work towards a common goal.  

“It’s a fun experience and the band always gets excited about it which is cool to see,” Lytle said.  

This year’s success with the March-A-Thon has allowed the marching band to set themselves up for a promising season of exciting performances and successful competitions. Saturdays are typically for the boys, but the Monarch Marching Band rose to the occasion and owned the day for themselves.