The Savannah Bananas' touring Banana Band marched onto the Allen High School gym floor on Sept. 4 and performed alongside the school's 650-member band in a surprise pep rally.
The professional musicians learned the music the same day and took spots among the students as if they were Allen Eagles themselves, according to The Eagle Angle, the school's student newspaper.
Kane said a handful of Banana Band trumpet players cut through the sound of 650 students. "There's 650 kids, but you could hear the 3 trumpet players, because they're playing really high," she told The Eagle Angle.
The collaboration came together through Garrett Daniels, Allen High School's coordinator of student leadership and engagement. The Savannah Bananas reached out to Daniels through Varsity Spirit, a cheerleading, dance and band organization, looking to connect with a high school audience. The Banana Band had not previously done much work in high school settings, The Eagle Angle reported.
Daniels told the student paper he saw it as a great opportunity for the school and said the students did an outstanding job.
Senior drum major Makenzie Kane was among the first students to learn about the visit. She said the student leadership team got the news the Monday before the rally. The full band found out later that same day.
The Banana Band rehearsed with Allen's musicians on Thursday, Sept. 3, then performed at the pep rally and attended the football game the following night.
The pep rally preceded Allen's matchup against DeSoto, according to Fox 4 News reporter Payton May, who covered the event on Facebook. Allen ISD said Fox 4's May interviewed principal Carrie Jackson during the rally, with Allen Eagle Student Leaders providing backup.
BSN Sports, which also attended, described the event as a "Glow Bananas themed pep rally" in a Facebook post.
Kane, who plans to study music in college, said the visit showed students that performing at a high level and having fun can go together.
The Savannah Bananas returned to Allen High School later in September for a separate homecoming pep rally featuring additional performers from the organization.
