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Woodward Marching Band: A Journey from Hand-Me-Downs to New Heights
The Woodward Career Technical High School marching band is making waves this year, thanks to a recent grant from Hamilton County that enabled them to acquire brand new instruments. This has been transformative for many of the band members, including Willie Stephens, who expressed his amazement at finally being able to play on a new tuba: "I can actually play better — the old tuba I was on was restricting me for some reason." The band's commitment to excellence is evident as they strive to improve their skills and showcase their talents on larger stages.
Exciting Opportunities Ahead!
Recently, on March 22, the Bulldogs achieved a significant milestone by winning first place at the Battle of the Bands competition in Louisville, Kentucky. For many students, including Stephens, this recognition feels surreal: "I was a little shocked; like, out of every band in Ohio, they chose us." Their recent triumphs only fueled their ambition to take their music further, leading them to aim for their next big performance in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 9.
Fundraising for Future Performances
To make their Atlanta trip a reality, the Bulldogs are tasked with raising nearly $13,000 for food, lodging, and fun activities, like visits to Six Flags and bowling. Surprisingly, the Atlanta performance is not their only upcoming event. Band director Tyree Gilbert highlighted that they were also invited to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii, indicating the band's growing reputation: "As soon as this winds down for Atlanta, then we'll have the total price for Hawaii, but that can range anywhere between $250,000 on up."
The Impact of the Band on Students and Community
The band, with its current roster of 25 to 30 students, is not just about music; it represents hope and personal development. Parents have noted monumental growth in their children, such as one parent, Dominique Sneed, stating, "A lot of the kids are kinda quiet and shy. My daughter personally has opened up so much — it's like I got a new kid almost." This evolution portrays the powerful role that music and teamwork play in shaping young lives.
Grassroots Fundraising Initiatives
The Woodward Marching Bulldogs have been proactive in their fundraising endeavors, successfully organizing various initiatives, including dining fundraisers at Chipotle and selling chocolate bars. Furthermore, they've been performing outside of school after practice to raise additional funds. Gilbert encouraged the community to join them, saying, "We play on Reading Road and Seymour every day after school from 6-6:30 p.m., come by and see us." This call to action showcases their desire for support from the local community, emphasizing that every bit helps in their journey.
Celebrating The Growth of Young Musicians
The opportunities these young musicians have received serve not only to enhance their musical skills but also to foster a sense of community and belonging. As the Woodward Marching Band continues to hit the right notes both on stage and in their personal development, they exemplify how music can serve as both a creative outlet and a life-changing experience. With community support, these remarkable students are poised to reach new heights and inspire future generations to follow their passion.
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