SPANISH FORT, Ala. - The Spanish Fort High School marching band will unveil part of its 2011 halftime program Saturday night during the band’s “Summer Jam,” which will also include a performance by the dance team, the screening of an outdoor movie, and a day full of family-oriented activities and music. Band Director Tripp Morris said Summer Jam serves as an important fundraiser for the band while rewarding the students for their hard work.

“We have an 83,000 budget and we get zero funding from the school board,” Morris said. “Fundraising and donations are our only source of income.”

This year’s halftime show will feature the music of George Gershwin, including “I’ve Got Rhythm” and “Rhapsody in Blue,” among others. In October, the band will travel to Jacksonville State University to participate in the Music For All Bands of America contest, which showcases some of the most talented marching bands in the Southeast in a regional competition. If Spanish Fort wins the contest, they will be invited to attend the Grand Nationals showcase in Indiana in November.

In addition to travel expenses and equipment purchases, Morris said money raised from Summer Jam will also help pay the balance of a $20,000 loan.

Tickets for Summer Jam are $6 in advance or $8 at the gate and are available at Country Wagon produce market on County Road 31 and Paint Slingers in the Eastern Shore Mall. Beginning at 4 p.m. at Toro Field on the grounds of Spanish Fort High School, there will be a chance to meet the SFHS football team, live music from local rock and worship bands, water slides, a bounce house, games, hamburgers, chicken, popcorn and drinks. The band will perform at 8 p.m. and the movie “Rio” will be shown on an outdoor screen after dark. For more information, email SFHSToroBand@gmail.com.