JUNCTION CITY -The Junction City High School Blue Jay marching band is planning to try something new in 2017.

Instead of a bowl trip the band has been invited to participate in the National Memorial Day Parade on May 29, 2017 in Washington D.C.

Band Director T. J. Taylor said the band was nominated by Congressman Tim Huelskamp and Senator Jerry Moran. “It’s a big deal. Goes down Constitution Avenue and we’re pretty excited about it. This is the 2017 National Memorial Day Parade.”

Taylor confirmed information is being gathered for the USD 475 Board of Education, so approval can be obtained for the trip. Once that is achieved fundraising can begin, with the cost estimated at about $1,000 per person.

During their trip to Washington D.C. the band will be able to perform in two concerts, and do some sight-seeing in the nation’s capitol.

In recent years the band has traveled to a college football bowl game every other year, but in May of 2017 will try something new. JCHS band students that would be eligible to make the trip would come from the current 8th grade classes, plus current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at the high school.