From right, Mike Skiffington of the Ashwaubenon Optimist Club presents a $2,000 check for the purchase of new band uniforms to Ashwaubenon High School Director of Bands Marc Jimos while senior drum majors Katie Larson and Mieka Clark look on Friday, Aug. 3, in the Performing Arts Center.

By Kevin Boneske
Staff Writer

ASHWAUBENON – The Ashwaubenon High School Band is seeking financial support from the community to replace its uniforms in 2018-19.

The Ashwaubenon Optimist Club contributed to that cause Friday, Aug. 3, when the Optimist’s Mike Skiffington presented a $2,000 check in the Performing Arts Center to AHS Director of Bands Marc Jimos.

Jimos said the donation will be enough to purchase five new uniforms at a cost of approximately $400 each, while the cost for the entire set of uniforms will be approximately $97,000.

He said the district has earmarked $47,000 for the uniforms with the band asking for donations to fund the remaining amount.

Jimos said the band has also received generous donations from the Ashwaubenon Jaguar Backers and the Ashwaubenon Music Parents Association, as well as several individual donations.

For more information on how to donate to the AHS Band to help purchase uniforms for the upcoming school year, contact Jimos at 920-492-2955, ext. 5715, or at mjimos@ashwaubenonk12.org.

The 180-member Ashwaubenon Jaguar Marching Band has been invited to participate in the 2019 New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade this coming March.

Recently, the Jaguar Marching Band traveled to Hawaii to participate in the Pan-Pacific Parade on the island of Oahu.

The band has marched in parades and events throughout the United States, including the Tournament of Roses Parade, Orange Bowl Parade, Cherry Blossom Parade, Disney World, Green Bay Packers halftime shows and Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans.