TJ Bands Truck Drive

We're raising $130,000 to purchase an equipment truck for the Thomas Jefferson High School bands.

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology bands include 4 extracurricular bands & ensembles, 4 curricular bands, and the winter guard. More than 100 students participate each year.

We rent two 26-foot trucks whenever a band, ensemble, or winter guard needs to travel somewhere with their equipment and uniforms. The TJ Marching Colonials travel to ~6 competitions each year. The Drum Line and Winter Guard perform at 4-6 competitions each year, and every other year compete in the World Competitions in Ohio. The curricular bands occasionally transport their equipment for performances. Prices have tripled in the last two years, increasing to a $20k annual expense.

Perhaps more importantly, the truck rental company is unreliable. Even though we reserve our rental trucks months in advance, when we show up for our reservation they rarely have the right trucks—or any trucks. We end up scrambling last minute to find transportation for our equipment when we show up at the rental company.

Guaranteed equipment transportation only comes from owning a truck. A truck purchase is a significant investment—$130,000—and we need your help.

We aim to raise $130,000 to purchase a 26' box truck. We've done our research. A typical tow-behind trailer isn't large enough, and we'd still need a tow-capable vehicle. In comparison, a box truck serves all needs in one, especially if we include custom interior shelving that expands the useable storage space within the truck. In addition, our truck will have a lift gate that reduces the burden on students who load heavy equipment onto the truck.

How can you help?

THANK YOU!

Thank you for your donation and your support. Stay tuned to this page. We'll share updates throughout the year about the bands' progress with fun pictures and videos!