S.E.R.V.E. in Harmony: SCPS Bands Band Together Against Hunger
This year, Stafford County Public Schools held the 15th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger fundraiser to support local hunger relief efforts. Proceeds from the event support the SERVE Food Bank and its partner agencies, providing meals to families in need. What began as a small collaboration over a decade ago has grown into one of the county’s most impactful traditions, bringing students, families, and residents together for a night of rhythm, unity, and giving.
Every fall, the combined efforts of schools across Stafford County raise thousands of pounds of food and provide financial support for local food banks. Since its inception in 2010, “Band Together to Fight Hunger” has collected over 100,000 pounds of food, demonstrating the immense power of music to build community and inspire generosity. This year’s event continued that legacy, featuring spirited field performances, a mass band finale, and the joyful energy of hundreds of student musicians performing side by side.
Rax Jumadiao, the lead drumline player for Colonial Forge’s Sound & Guard drumline, played a significant role in leading his band to success with their 2025 field show, “Havana Nights”. “It’s a whole lot of fun to perform such an active and high-energy show,” Rax shared, describing the excitement of leading the percussion section during the county-wide performance. “It felt very special because of the tight-knit community that the bend holds between each school. The music world is very small, so grouping together with fellow instruments to make a section almost four to six times larger than one school would have is definitely a great experience!”
For many musicians, this event marks the close of their marching season—a final showcase of the artistry and discipline they’ve built since the summer. “This event is different because every band really gets together at the end of their competitive season to play their show for the last time,” Rax explained. “It really shows the results of such a rewarding and successful season because, after a very busy ‘Bandtober,’ they finally get to play their shows just for fun for their peers and families one last time.”
As the night unfolded, families filled the stands to cheer for vibrant field shows representing each Stafford high school. The grand finale brought everyone together for a mass performance of “America the Beautiful,” symbolizing unity among musicians and across the community. “Definitely the first impact of rehearsal and the first run-through of ‘America the Beautiful’ stood out,” Rax recalled. “Hearing a unified 55-person drumline tap off the rest of the bands in the vast parking lot is a pretty neat sight to see, hear, and experience.”
Beyond the music, the greatest joy for many participants is reconnecting with friends from other schools. “My favorite part of the evening was definitely getting to see my friends from other schools again,” Rax said. “We rarely get to see each other since we’re all busy with our own bands, so we really cherish the times we do get to play together and show off the talents and work we’ve put in all season.”
As “Band Together to Fight Hunger” continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to unite the Stafford County community through music, compassion, and service. With every drumbeat, note, and can of food collected, these students remind everyone that even the smallest acts, when performed together, can make a tremendous impact.
