Band travels to Hawaii

Members excited to learn about Polynesian culture

Senior+jazz+band+member+Braeden+Tousson+plays+the+saxophone+during+the+Pops+Concert+March+6.+Students+performed+small+group+interludes+between+large+group+songs.+

Senior jazz band member Braeden Tousson plays the saxophone during the Pops Concert March 6. Students performed small group interludes between large group songs.

Tjessa Arrandodo

According to band director Steven Schmitz, he hopes his students will dive into the history and cultural experiences Hawaii has to offer on their band trip during spring break.

“I want my students to understand American history and musically honor the sacrifices of our military heroes,” Schmitz said.

Sophomore tenor saxophone player Ben Bryan said the symphonic band will play a song called “Elegy,” originally written in honor of the World War II soldiers who fought at Pearl Harbor Bay.

“We’re going to show honor and respect for those who lost their lives that day,” Bryan said.

According to Schmitz, playing at several monuments in Hawaii’s capitol is just a few of the activities happening during their stay.

“We plan to hike Diamond Head Crater for an amazing view of Honolulu, participate in an authentic luau, watch top surfers on island’s north shore and learn about 11 Pacific cultures, which came to Hawaii at the Polynesian Cultural Center,” Schmitz said.

According to Schmitz, Park band and orchestra will leave for Oahu March 22 and return March 29.