The Marist band returned to school April 1 after a Hawaiian trip described as “exciting” that included an appearance at the Vietnam Veterans’ Day Parade.
“We planned this trip a little over a year ago, right when the last trip ended. So last year we went to New York, so as soon as the trip ended, we started planning for that,” says assistant band director Patrick Keelan.
Why Hawaii?
“We got a letter in the mail inviting us to this parade and the band director Mr. Creigh and the administration thought it would be a good trip for the band and a great experience for our students,” says Keelan.
The band arrived at the airport to leave at 5:30 a.m. March 25 and stayed in Hawaii for a little less than a week.
“We stayed in Hawaii from Tuesday to Sunday, which seemed like a long time, but went by really quickly,” says freshman band member Joana Menes.
The routine each day was very tight, so most of the time they always had something they had to do.
“Everyday was a little different, but it was very early in the morning for breakfast downstairs at the hotel and we were going all day. We got back to the hotel at about 8:00 p.m.,” says Keelan.
During their stay, they didn’t have time to practice, so they had to remember what was supposed to be played.
“During the parade, we played God Bless America, Star Spangled Banner, and National Emblem,” says Menes.
Some other songs played were You Belong With Me, Uprising, I Want It That Way, South Side Irish, Drum Circle, and the Marist Fight Song.
Most of the band memebers were able to make the trip.
“All but two went, so that was 76 band members, because some had schooling, or sports related obligations going on during the time we traveled,” says Keelan.
Throughout the week, they also had a little time for leisure, or time to themselves.
“Our schedule was very tight and busy, but we were able to go to the beach and go shopping,” says Menes.
As for location, they played mainly outside, traveling by bus place to place.
“We played at the U.S.S. Missouri in Pearl Harbor and at the parade,” says freshman band member Olivia Nagel.
The climate was extremely hot, so the band had to change up their uniforms to combat the heat.
“Since it was so hot, we wore a Hawaiian Marist shirt and the rest was something tropical, and something modest for church,” says Menes.
Seven band parents acted as chaperones for the trip. Students were away from school and had a lot of homework, but still enjoyed the time they had while there.
“I had a good time, and I was able to hang out with my friends but still perform for others,” says Menes.
