Published: Jul. 22, 2026 at 7:30 PM CDT/Updated: 17 hours ago

JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Jefferson Davis High School Band has been on the prowl all summer, preparing for a fresh new season in the jungle.

“It’s hot out here,” Trombone player Charlotte Bridges said, but that hasn’t stopped the Jamming Jaguars from doing their best to perfect their routines.

“I’ve been working on making sure my notes sound right, and that it’s good enough to present to other people,” Trumpet player Jadasia Moore said. “Most of my notes I couldn’t play, but over time I grasped them, and I learned how to play them really well.”

This will be the final season for some members of the band, and they are excited to be able to perform for the Jeff Davis crowd one last time.

“Since it’s senior year, I’ve been trying to make the most of it, especially camp, this is my last camp,” Bridges said.

“I’m actually excited for the football games. I’m always excited for the football games, but the work- you have to put in that work. We can’t just go to somebody else’s field looking a mess,” Piccolo and flute player Jazmyne Booth said.

Seniors like Amber McKinley are looking to set a good example for the underclassmen who will be taking over.

“I’m looking to leave my best on the floor every time I go out to perform, and to make sure it’s rememberable and remarkable every time I perform,” McKinley said.

Color Guard Captain Kennadi Young says she has been the captain ever since she was a freshman, and hopes this year will be one to remember.

“I am mostly excited about performing. I love performing, I love dance, and I’m most excited to meet new people,” Young said. “I’m looking to show them that we’re back, and we’re better than ever.”

Director of Bands Elissa Buckley Hartwell says the band is accepting cash donations or cases of water to help the kids stay hydrated during the season.