Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters launch new uniform campaign

August 20, 2022 8:30 am
Mercer Island band directors, from left to right, Jacob Krieger, Parker Bixby and Kyle Thompson gather after their dunk tank session on Aug. 18. Courtesy photo
Mercer Island band directors, from left to right, Jacob Krieger, Parker Bixby and Kyle Thompson gather after their dunk tank session on Aug. 18. Courtesy photo

Special to the Reporter

The Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters officially launched a new uniform campaign for the high school marching band this month with two community events: A concert in the park and the all-Island band barbecue.

After 14 years of halftime shows and national and international performances, the band program known as “Pride of the Island” is in need of new marching band uniforms. These uniforms will be worn by the next generation of band students, starting next fall when the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) marching band performs in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

The uniform fundraising campaign kicked off on Aug. 14 with a free concert at Luther Burbank Park sponsored by the Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle. The program included performances from winners of the Russian Piano and Chamber Music Festival competition as well as select members of the MIHS band. More than 250 people attended the event and all donations from the evening will benefit the new uniform campaign.

On Aug. 18, the band boosters held their annual all-Island band barbecue. In addition to the dinner, this event featured a large dunk tank where students took turns trying to dunk their band directors and fellow students. QFC generously donated all of the food for this event, so all proceeds will be used to purchase new uniforms.

Parker Bixby, who leads the MIHS band program, noted: “On behalf of the band staff, we are so grateful to the Mercer Island community for supporting this uniform replacement campaign. When completed, this will be just the third uniform ever worn by the MIHS band since its formation! Go MI!”

The Mercer Island band program serves hundreds of students from across the district in grades 5-12. This no-cut program welcomes all students and provides first-rate music instruction and unparalleled performance opportunities while teaching the core values of respect, teamwork and personal responsibility.

To learn more about the new uniform campaign, visit https://www.misbb.org/uniform-campaign.