Thirty-five years ago, Jimmie Cannon, the legendary and beloved Central Union High School band director, began a tradition that holds true to this day in part to the hard work of one of his former students.
“I was in the band that went to New Orleans in 1978 for the first time,” said Renee Baker, current Central High band director. “From that trip the band earned a standing invitation to go anytime we want. We get invited every year and we choose when we want to go.”
This year, 113 students and more than 30 chaperones will make the trip to New Orleans to participate in the annual Mardi Gras celebrations.
Despite the large undertaking, Baker said the event was made possible through the dedication of the entire community.
“This would not happen without the community, the parents of the students, the booster club, the school and the administration,” she said. “If we did not have that support we would not be able to do something this big. There is even a group of parents that are driving all of the equipment over.”
During its five-day stay in New Orleans, The Great Spartan Band will be participating in the Hermes Parade and the Endymion Parade, which are both six miles long and are scheduled for Feb. 8 and Feb. 9, respectively.
“I am so excited to participate in the parades and perform in front of the people,” said Tatiana LeDoux, a band member and 17-year-old senior. “We have been preparing for this trip for a year.”
While some students like Tatiana cannot wait to put their musicality on display, others are anticipating the historical aspect of the trip.
“I’m most excited for the sight-seeing and going to the different museums,” said Breanna Rodriguez, the assistant drum major and a 16-year-old junior. “Really I’m just looking forward to spending time with my friends because we are like a big family.”
Although most family members will be unable to make the trip, some parents like Jeaneece McDowell look forward to sharing their own New Orleans experience with their children once they return.
“Being in The Great Spartan Band was the best four years of my life,” McDowell said. “It’s an honor that my daughter wanted to follow in my footsteps.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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