The Zachary High School Band of Blue has been selected to represent the State of Louisiana in the 2009 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., on July 4. The ZHS Band will be joining government officials, national military units, sponsored floats, helium balloons, and other specialty units in this major national event. Jason Venable, the director, was informed of this honor based on the decision of the National Selection Committee, which considered and reviewed the band’s application materials and determined the band would be an excellent representative of Louisiana.

Upon hearing of their selection, Venable said, “It is such an honor to represent the Great State of Louisiana, the Great City of Zachary, and the Zachary Community School Board at the most patriotic event in the country. Selection to the parade is a great honor, and will be a great learning experience for all of our students.”

Following the parade on July 4th, the Band of Blue will join several hundred thousand tourists to enjoy the televised performance of the National Symphony in front of the U.S. Capitol Building and the spectacular fireworks display.

 For the ZHS Band of Blue, this will be the second performance in Washington D.C., the first being in 1992 when they performed at three different locations throughout the city to commemorate the 500 anniversary of the Discovery of America.

Over the last five years, the Band of Blue has experienced consistent growth, and has received numerous superior ratings in jazz, concert, and marching band. The band has performed at such spectacular venues as the 2004 Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Disney World in 2006, Carnegie Hall in 2007, the Sugar Bowl in 2008, and now the National Independence Day Parade in 2009.

 Band of Blue directors are Jason Venable and Donny Alexander. Both are graduates of LSU, and members of the Music Educators National Conference, Louisiana Music Educators Association, the District IV Band Directors Association, and the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education. Jason Venable has been featured in SBO Magazine’s “50 Directors that Make a Difference,” and was also selected as the Zachary Community Schools 2006 High School Teacher of the Year.