The Shaw High School Mighty Marching Cardinal Band in East Cleveland received the opportunity of a lifetime when they were invited to perform in the 2024 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii, commemorating the 80th anniversary of WWII on December 7.
The Cardinal band was chosen by the parade committee for their “proud history of producing outstanding leaders, community members, scholars, and professionals.”
Randolph Woods Jr., the Cardinals band director, has been planning the trip since 2021. The group was unable to go in previous years. “When spring began, we really intensified our planning to ensure everything was ready for December,” Woods stated.
They have been working, “Four, five days out of the week, for sometimes four plus hours” in preparation for the performance, he added.
The itinerary for their four days in Hawaii has been meticulously planned, covering everything from flights to accommodations and meals. Woods anticipates minimal downtime and aims for “the students to get as rich of an experience as possible.”
The band’s age range is quite unique, with students from as early as third grade up to grade 12. This wasn’t by chance, as Woods noted, “It became apparent very quickly that these younger students were valuable contributors to the group. They were doing great things.”
For some students, it’s an opportunity to experience something entirely new; for others, the chance to learn about Pearl Harbor and its enduring legacy, and an opportunity for all to showcase life-changing talents.
Parent chaperones are equally enthusiastic about the trip. Cachet Beckham, the mother of two band members, will be accompanying the group. Her older daughter plays the snare drum, while her younger daughter plays the trumpet.
“We felt like we had exceptional parent support to make this happen for your children this year,” Beckham said.
She believes the trip will inspire greater student involvement. “Taking [the students] to Hawaii is just going to step everything up a notch. I think that it will help encourage more kids to join the band,” she explained.
This journey holds special significance for Beckham, a proud Shaw High School graduate from the class of 2005 and a former marching band member. She encouraged her daughters to be involved in the band as well.
“It was also a chance for me to be involved with my high school that I love, and also to spend more time with my children,” Beckham shared. “I’m getting to fulfill my legacy through my children.”
As preparations ramp up, December is fast approaching for the Shaw Marching Band’s much-anticipated trip. The cost to send each band member is $3,000. If you would like to contribute, please find the donation link below.
To support the Shaw Marching Band, you can click this link to donate: rb.gy/q6pxer
This story was published in partnership with The East Clevelander Magazine.
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