The Band is Back
Turn up the music and tap your foot to the beat because Director Jalen Tate and Harding University High School are bringing back the "Band of Gold."
The Harding High School Band of Gold famously played "Get Ready" by The Temptations while marching down Pennsylvania Avenue in 2009 for the 56th Inaugural Parade for President Obama. The 110-member band, lead by Director Anthony Jones, leaned into the community to raise over $50,000 for travel expenses, and their performance was a tremendous success, representing hope and positive change for the school, the city, and the nation.
Unfortunately, the band lost leadership and the resources to perform over the last few years, a common problem for schools that lack the funding for essentials such as musical instruments and staffing for extracurricular activities.
Harding's new Principal Kevin Poirier officially relaunched The Band of Gold when he arrived at the school this summer, choosing former Harding High graduate Jalen Tate to lead the charge. Mr. Tate graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance in Alabama in 2023 but says his motivation to take the job stemmed from wanting to give back to students what his band director gave him. "I would not be where I am today without a mentor who believed in me, giving me purpose to find my calling."
Mr. Tate has been staying at school most nights until 8pm to repair old instruments. Jane's Fund is committed not only to help with repairs but to buy new instruments so every student who wants to play in the band has the opportunity. New instruments and uniforms have been ordered so students can get to work.
GET READY! The Harding University High School Band of Gold is BACK. They played at the school's pep rally last week, and on Miracle Monday, let's work together to bring down all barriers that may limit success for Mr. Tate, his students, and Principal Poirier.
Purchase a Marching Band Uniform: $70
Buy a Pair of Cymbals: $200
Buy a Tenor Drum: $485
Help With Supplies to Repair Instruments: $20
