It’s a late August day, with scorching temperatures and cloudless skies. The perfect day to go swimming or just stay inside… or march across La Vista? 

On Saturday, August 25th, the PLHS marching band paraded 6.2 miles through neighborhoods near the school, playing parade tunes and game band songs for the community. 

“[Its purpose is to] be able to get out in the community and see more people,” PLHS band director Tim Keller said. 

Every year, the band sees more people and stretches farther away from the school. 

“It’s growing each year that we’ve done it,” Keller said. “I think we have 14 lawn concerts.” 

Lawn concerts are an added part of the fundraiser on top of the parade. People can pay to have the band come to their house and play music for them, their friends, and their family. 

“It generates around $5,000, with potential for a lot more,” Keller said. “It helps to supplement the school budget.” 

The march-a-thon raises a lot of money due to the extended enthusiasm throughout the day. 

“I [keep] a smile on my face, and occasional shouts and cheers help keep morale up,” senior drum major Jace Armstrong said. 

It sounds simple, but that can sometimes be a challenge in 90-degree weather. That’s a change many students would like. 

“[I wouldn’t change anything] that we can control, just the weather,” Armstrong said. “Maybe do it in October.” 

The march-a-thon can be a lot of fun and a lot of work, but it is never how one would expect. 

“It’s different,” freshman trombonist Sam Geck said. “I expected it to be easier.” 

No matter the conditions every year, the band puts all its effort into making the march-a-thon a lively and enjoyable experience for themselves and the community.  

The tradition isn’t going away any time soon, and it doesn’t seem like anyone wants it to.