Md. High School Band Heads To Hawaii

WESTMINSTER, Md. (WJZ) -- One Maryland high school band is bound for Hawaii this week. The group raised thousands of dollars in a matter of months to help commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor.

As Gigi Barnett explains, teachers are turning the trip into a history lesson.

Weeks of practice in the summer, perfecting the sound and their moves--that work and dozens of fundraisers are sending Westminster High School's marching band off to Hawaii this week in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.

The Westminster band leaves Thursday. Students will still have to do homework on the five-day trip.

It's a top honor for the only band representing Maryland.

"It's my first year doing this and we get an awesome chance to go somewhere," said Christian Donato. "I think it's awesome."

Within six months, band director Jennifer Jones says students, parents and boosters raised $180,000 for the trip.

"We had so many touching stories of family members of veterans who have given money and said, 'Please do this in honor of mine.' And we're creating a scrapbook of all the letters that we've received," Jones said.

For the last month, the band has rehearsed outside and indoors.

"We arranged a piece that includes `Maryland, My Maryland,' as well as the 'Westminster March' to bring some home feeling there," said Jones.

The band received more than 700 donations from individuals and businesses. One was for $10,000. Every donor will receive a postcard from Hawaii.

Only eight bands are selected.

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