Sore feet abound for marching crews during Carnival season, so the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation has launched a pilot program, Parading Feet, to help connect high school marching bands with foot care resources.

“The goal is to help marching band students focus on their music instead of uncomfortable feet,” volunteer program manager, Dr. Marc Lindy of Vancouver, Canada, a podiatrist, tuba player, and leader of the Homegoing Brass Band, said.

With the initiative, the clinic hopes to educate young musicians about preventative health care.

The program’s pilot school is KIPP, and so far their Central City Academy’s Tiger Marching Band has received a donation of anti-blister socks from Wrightsock in North Carolina, as well as Formthotic insoles from Foot Science International in New Zealand, for each band member.

Additionally, Dr. Lindy uses Skype to advise and coordinate blister remediation, foot strain care, and proper shoe ordering.

The Tigers will march for the first time in Krewe of Pontchartrain, Krewe of Carrollton, Krewe of Chaos, Krewe of Hermes, and Krewe of Tucks.

To learn more about or donate to NOMC&AF, visit neworleansmusiciansclinic.org.