Washington Middle School band members with new drums. Photo courtesy of Craig McClenahan.

Soon marching bands will be tuning up for their seasons, and this year the Washington Middle School band will be going along with beats from new drums.

Middle school band director Craig McClenahan says for years the middle school percussionists have been playing on hand-me-down drums from the high school, often over-sized for junior high students. New Pearl Jr. marching drums including four bass drums, a set of quads, three snare drums, a new bell set, plus carriers and cases have been purchased. The new equipment was funded in part by the Washington Music Boosters and a private donation of $750.