Wasilla High School marching band hosting fundraising event Feb. 5

WASILLA — Wasilla High School’s marching band is hosting a fundraising event, Mardi Gras Night, Saturday, Feb. 5 at the school gymnasium.

WHS band director, Jackie Johnson said the event will feature an array of Mardi Gras-themed Cajun food with a live and silent auction. The school band and other students from the music department will also be performing throughout the evening.

All funds raised will go towards the band’s upcoming field trip to Washington D.C. for the Lincoln Memorial Band Tour. Johnson said this will be the first time their students will have the chance to participate in a trip of this magnitude.

“It’s a good opportunity for these kids and Wasilla High,” Johnson said. “To represent the whole state is phenomenal.”

The WHS band is preparing for their departure to Washington April 20. Johnson said they’re one of the numerous bands from across the country who will have the opportunity to play a series of concerts surrounding the Lincoln Memorial event. She said she’s eager to see what the other American bands are capable of and to have the opportunity to show her students that they’re of the same caliber, and more importantly, of the same passion.

“No matter where you go, band is family,” Johnson said.

Johnson said this upcoming fundraiser is one of many efforts they’ve embarked on to raise about $70,000 for the trip, including past community events and raising funds from a school coffee cart. She said that they’re still around the $20,000 mark, so they can use all the help they can get.

“We would love to raise at least half to offset some of these costs,” Johnson said.

Johnson said they’re very appreciative of the supportive families and community members that have helped them get this far.

This definitely has been a group effort,” Johnson said. “They make the difference for sure.”

Johnson noted that the upcoming event will also be an opportunity for her students to unveil their official and long-awaited band uniforms. She said they finally raised enough money to acquire the uniforms and they recently came in the mail.

“They are gorgeous. They just look more phenomenal,” Johnson said. They just cannot wait to get them on and show them off a bit. It makes them stand out and you feel that sense of pride.”

Johnson said their overall band efforts are going well and she couldn’t be prouder of this year’s roster.

“This is one of the greatest groups of kids that I’ve ever got to work with,” Johnson said.

Tickets for the WHS marching band’s Mardi Gras Night event are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the community dinner starts at 6 p.m.

For more information, call 907-352-8293.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com