The Vandegrift band and Vision Dance Company marched for more than three miles during its 11th annual March-A-Thon through the streets of Steiner Ranch on Saturday.
“The band is still raising money through an online pledge campaign, but thus far the band raised almost $75,000 with this year’s March-a-Thon,” said Mike Howard, VHS director of bands, which comprise of 392 students this year.
On Aug. 17, the March-A-Thon started at John Simpson Park at 8 a.m. and finished around 1 p.m. with temperatures around 100 degrees.
The band performed 13 concerts and played the VHS fight song, “Deep in the Heart of Texas”, and other traditional favorites.
Two Travis County Sheriff’s Office deputies on motorcycles, and the Lake Travis Fire Department escorted the March-A-Thon.
Band booster parent volunteers brought along 500 lbs. of ice donated by Wag-A-Bag to keep the students cool, and over 500 gallons of water.
The annual marching event raises funds for equipment, meals, travel expenses and uniforms for the Texas top-ranked program. Funds will help students travel to Bands of America Grand Nationals marching contest in Indianapolis in November. This marks the program’s very first trip to Grand Nationals.
