By Free Jordan
In the late 80s and early 90s, if you were in Orlando and you heard a rhythm that felt like a heartbeat, you knew where it was coming from. It was the Marching Tigers of Jones High School.
I didn't just watch that tradition; I was part of it.
I remember the precision, the high-step, and that "West Side" pride that taught us more about discipline than any classroom ever could. Our parents were the backbone of that era—hauling equipment in the Florida heat, sewing uniforms, and cheering until they lost their voices in the Citrus Bowl (now Camping World Stadium). They taught us that the band wasn't just a class; it was a family.
The Move to the East Side
Life has a funny way of marching forward. Decades later, I found myself moving to the east side of Orlando. The colors changed from the Orange and Green of Jones to the Crimson and Gold of University High School. But the spirit? The spirit stayed exactly the same.
I am now in Year 7 of an 8-year march as a UHS Band Parent. I’ve traded the high-step for the symphonic precision of the UHS Band "University High School Band," and the view from the sidelines is different now. I’m not the one in the plumes anymore; I’m the one in the parking lot at 10:00 PM waiting for the buses to return.
The Household Divide: Drum Line vs. Color Guard
In my house, the marching world is a 24/7 reality. Watching my kids, I see the same fire I had at Jones High. One child is holding down the rhythm in the Drum Line, while the other is painting the sky in the Color Guard.
They are learning the golden rules of the field: that "early is on time," that "one more time" actually means twenty more times, and that the person standing to your left and right is your brother or sister for life.
Why Marching.World Matters
I started Marching.World to link these generations together. Whether you were a Tiger, a Cougar, a Panther, or a Brave—if you marched in Orlando (or anywhere in the world), you belong here.
We are here to bridge the "Old School" 90s grit (Maybe I'm stuck in the 80's) with the "Modern Era" artistry. But most importantly, we are here to ensure the tradition survives.
The Mission: Support UHS Band
Every legacy needs a foundation. That’s why Marching.World has partnered with UHS Band as our primary benefactor. We want to make sure the University High School program has the resources to keep making history.
When you support this site, you aren't just reading a blog; you are keeping the music playing for the next generation of Tigers and Cougars. We have one more year to go to hit the full 8. Let’s make it the loudest one yet.
> Status: Signal Strong
> Connection: Global
> Legacy: Unbroken