Bands come out for Jackson festival

Jackson High School's annual band festival is a chance for schools large and small to show support for each other and perform music in motion, according to Tom Broussard, the school's band director.

The festival has been held every year in Jackson since 1945. This year 12 bands from Southeast Missouri schools participated in the parade and the mass band performance exhibition held Tuesday evening.

"A lot of these schools don't have a football team, so this is a great opportunity for them," Broussard said.

The public has always shown great support for the festival, he said.

Proceeds from ticket sales go to the Southeast Missouri Band Director's Association, which helps sponsor area band activities.

Woodland High School marching band (Laura Simon)

-- From staff reports