If you happen to be in the West Cluster neighborhoods between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on the 19^th, you will probably hear the sound of the Plano West band marching through the area. For seven years, the Mighty Wolf band has held the annual Wolf Pack Prowl Parade to raise money for its program.

“The parade raises about $18,000,” band director James Hannah said. “We’re pushing to make about $20,000 this year.”

The money that is raised from the parade goes towards purchasing new equipment for the band. Though it may seem like a lot, it only pays for a fraction of the cost of new items.

“We raise enough for probably a quarter of new equipment,” Hannah said.

Raising funds is not the only good part about the parade; it is also a memorable experience for many band members.

“Showing other people in the community our school spirit and pride is my favorite part,” junior Jun Min Noh, a percussionist in the band, said. “We as a band can represent Plano West.”

In addition to showcasing Plano West’s school spirit, the parade can also be a wonderful moment for people watching it.

“My favorite part is when we go to homes and they have little kids,” Hannah said. “You play for a kid’s birthday – can you imagine having a whole marching band play for your third or fourth birthday? It’s pretty impressive.”

Of course, members of the Wolf Band need a variety of characteristics in order to be as impressive and successful as they are.

“You have to be organized, on time and diligent,” junior Maitreyi Narayan, an alto saxophonist, said.

The band also has to have a sense of cohesiveness in order to function well.

“All band members share our happiness, sadness and excitement,” Noh said. “As a family we work hard together to achieve the goal that we pursue.”

With all the members spending time together during the long practice hours, football games and other events, the band has become a tight-knit group.

“You have your support system and you make new friends,” Narayan said. “It’s like one giant family.”