The Claiborne High School Blue Battalion Band has been selected for an extraordinary honor — to represent the State of Tennessee at the Salute to Independence Parade in Philadelphia, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

This national event will place our students on a world stage as they perform near Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. For students from our small rural Appalachian community, this opportunity is truly once-in-a-lifetime.

Since first taking the field in 1967, the Blue Battalion has built a legacy of excellence in musicianship, leadership, and discipline. The band consistently earns superior ratings at competitions and has appeared four consecutive years at the Tennessee State Division II Championships.

But the true success of this program is measured beyond trophies:

100% graduation rate among participating students
Band members average ACT scores of 23 (school average is 18)
Students regularly earn college scholarships to universities including UT Knoxville, ETSU, Tennessee Tech, Carson-Newman, and UTC
Multiple Valedictorians and Salutatorians have come from this program

This is more than a band.
This is a life-changing program that shapes confident, disciplined, and motivated young adults.

Why We Need Your Help

Traveling from rural East Tennessee to a national performance comes with significant expenses including:

Transportation
Lodging
Meals
Uniform needs
Equipment
Event fees
Summer band camp preparation

Our goal is to ensure every student can attend, regardless of financial circumstances. No student should miss this opportunity because of cost.

Your Impact

Every donation — large or small — directly supports students and helps them proudly represent:

Claiborne County
Appalachia
The State of Tennessee

Together, we can send these students to Philadelphia not just as a band, but as ambassadors of our state’s talent, heart, and spirit.

The Claiborne High School Band Boosters, LLC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help the Claiborne High School Band Represent Tennessee on a National Stage