Nothing brings a community together like Friday night lights, and our high school bands are at the heart of that spirit.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is proud to announce the launch of Band Together EBR, a fundraising campaign designed to provide new marching band uniforms for EBR high schools and strengthen the high school experience for students across the parish.
For decades, EBR high school bands have built a legacy of excellence, recognized throughout Louisiana and beyond. These programs are more than music — they are classrooms of discipline, leadership, teamwork and creativity. Participation in band gives students life-changing opportunities to perform at parades, Mardi Gras, festivals and competitions locally, regionally and nationally. It also prepares them for college and future careers.
“Band Together EBR is about opening doors,” said LaMont Cole, superintendent of East Baton Rouge Parish Schools. “Our band programs give students the chance to perform in parades and competitions not just in Baton Rouge but across the state and the nation. With proper uniforms, our students can proudly represent our schools and community on every stage they step onto.”
The cost of purchasing new uniforms for a high school band ranges from approximately $35,000 to $45,000. Many of the 11 EBR high schools with band programs are using uniforms that are decades old or well beyond their intended lifespan, while several schools have no band uniforms at all. Through Band Together EBR, we are calling on our community and key partners to invest in our students — showing them that their talent, dedication and extracurricular passions are valued and supported.
“Being part of the school band gives our students so much more than the opportunity to make music; it builds discipline, teamwork, leadership, and pride,” said Emily Soule, District 8 board member. “A new uniform is more than fabric; it’s a symbol of belonging, unity and school spirit. When our teens step onto the field or stage together, they gain confidence and a sense of purpose that will carry far beyond high school.”
Community leaders also recognize the broader impact of investing in music programs. Studyville CEO Amanda Martin was the first to donate, making a generous $25,000 donation to the Band Together EBR campaign.
“Nothing brings a community together like Friday night lights, and our high school bands are at the heart of that spirit,” Martin said. “Too many of our high school bands cannot march in parades simply because they don’t have uniforms. Our student-athletes are suited up to represent their schools, and our band members deserve the same opportunity to shine. We’re not just outfitting students for parade — we’re investing in their future.
She added, “Student involvement in music and extracurricular activities is proven to build confidence, reduce crime rates and set young people on a path to lifelong success. These students give their time, heart and talent to lift our schools and our community, and they deserve for us to show up for them too. My hope is that other community leaders across Baton Rouge will join me in supporting our kids, because when they thrive, our entire city thrives.”
How to Support
Donations to the Band Together EBR campaign can be made through the Foundation for the East Baton Rouge School System. Together, let’s ensure every student has the chance to march with pride, unity and opportunity. Donations can be made foundationebr.org/bandtogetherebr
See the WBRZ Video
The Foundation for East Baton Rouge Schools
Mission: Our mission is to enhance education, champion innovation and provide sustained financial support to public schools within the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.
Vision: Every student in Baton Rouge will have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive — from their first day of preschool to their first day on the job. We see a future where children enter kindergarten ready to succeed, graduate with meaningful credentials and step confidently into careers that sustain families and strengthen our region’s economy.
