Highland HS band marches through neighborhoods in annual March-a-thon

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The neighborhoods were alive with the sound of music this weekend as marching bands around the metro took to the streets for their annual March-a-thon. 

The Highland High School band drew a small crowd in southeast Albuquerque as they marched around Hyder Park, Bandelier Elementary School and the surrounding neighborhoods. 

“It’s a mini parade that is just our band and we stop throughout the parade and play a pep tune and play cadences, there is a lot of chanting and dancing and playing it’s a really fun time,” Highland Director of Band Josephine Gonzales explained. 

The tradition dates back to the 90’s it’s a way to kick off the school year and get the children ready for the upcoming competitive season, but it also does a lot more for the band and their boosters. 

“March-a-thon is twofold first of all we really like getting out into the community and sharing our music with our neighbors and showing we appreciate them. It’s also our biggest fundraiser for the year for the booster organization,” Gonzales said. 

As the band played pep band classics like “Hey Song” and “Beans and Rice” neighbors came out with cash and checks in hand to show their appreciation and support for the band. 

“This event helps us raise funds for our band and for our instruments and for whatever needs we need,” Drum Major and Senior Ariana Lopez said. 

Lopez joined the marching band her freshman year and it has been her favorite part of high school. Now that she is a senior this will be Lopez’s last March-a-thon so she’s going to make it count 

“I’m kinda sad but thinking back on all the memories I had it makes me happy, it really does feel like a big family, I made a bunch of friendships in this band,” Lopez said.

If you missed the March-a-thon Saturday and still want to donate the band is also accepting online donations.