Madison High School Band's Tag Day Adjusted For Pandemic

VIENNA, VA — During this time of year, Madison High School's 150 school band and color guard members would be busy with performances and would be going door-to-door for its annual Tag Day fundraiser. Although the pandemic has changed their fall season, Tag Day will go on in a different format to help band students cover some costs of the music program.

Students will not be visiting homes in the Madison school pyramid in Vienna and Oakton like in years past. Instead, band parents will distribute Tag Day information in these neighborhoods between Sept. 21 and Oct. 3, and residents are encouraged to support the Madison High School band program through contributions.

Because high school music programs aren't fully covered by county funding, band students typically raise money to pay for instruments, equipment, musical instructors, student leadership training, and travel and entry fees for competitions. Nevertheless, the band known as the "Pride of Vienna" has earned accolades. The marching ensemble became national semi-finalists as the Bands of America grand national championship in 2019 after winning the Bands of America Mid-Atlantic Regional competition. It also won the Virginia Marching Band Cooperative state championship in 2018 and 2019. The band holds two Sudler Flags of Honor, a prestigious international award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

Tax-deductable Tag Day donations can be made by cash or check to JMHS Band Parents. If do not receive a flyer and would like to donate, mail it to James Madison High School, ATTN: Band Parents - TAGDAY, 2500 James Madison Drive Vienna, VA 22181 or contribute online at www.jmhsband.org.

"While COVID-19 has disrupted our 2020 schedule, our success is [built] upon the activities and instruction that occur outside of the public eye, and this year is no exception," reads a statement on the band's website. "Although our performance schedule remains uncertain, the students and staff are still working hard to prepare for our return. We know that many of you have been affected by current events and may not be able to provide your usual support, but if you can, the band needs you this year more than ever."

Another band fundraiser will be held through a virtual-format Vienna Turkey Trot in November and Tiny Tots concert in December. The ensemble also sells White House Ornaments on Election Day and at community events.

Due to the pandemic, fall marching band activities were canceled at Madison and other FCPS schools. The Virginia High School League approved a timeline for the return of high school sports, with winter sports beginning on Dec. 7 and fall sports on Feb. 4. An announcement on whether marching activities will happen in the spring will come at a later time.