Jim Loucks: Trip to NYC is giving the West Valley band a chance to help another group

The West Valley High School Marching Band and Color Guard returned recently from New York City, where they performed in the Veterans Day Parade and Band of Pride Patriotic Concert in Times Square.

The trip provided my students with several once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including attending performances of “The Phantom of the Opera,” Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular and visits to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Juilliard School of Music, Top of the Rock and many more.

Arriving in NYC the day after the presidential election put us right in the middle of history. It seemed everyone had something to protest about. Me? I could have protested about a lack of sleep, but I had no one to blame but myself, because I planned the trip.

However, as with most of our band trips, one unforgettable moment stands out. That moment occurred in the warm-up area prior to the beginning of the Veterans Day Parade. We were practicing near The Soul Steppers, a drill team with high-energy drumming and dancing from Michigan City, Indiana. I asked their director if they would like to do a combined performance with our drumline. She agreed … so, it was game on.

First up, our drum line – we performed and their drum line joined in. Then, it was their turn, and their piece began with a crazy tenor drum solo; we played along in what became a very cool moment. Although from diverse backgrounds, there were no barriers between us. Just one common thread: music.

But there was one visible difference between us. Their percussion equipment was broken-down and outdated, ours bright and shiny. It was very humbling to watch them play on theirs as if it was brand new. Their director said to me, “I had mentioned to the guys at practice that I was embarrassed by the condition of our drums and that we should try painting them before the trip to NYC, but then completely forgot until playing with your group before parade time.”

We were all inspired by their obvious joy and pride in their music despite having major equipment challenges. As a result, the West Valley band has decided to raise funds to buy new percussion equipment for our musical friends from Indiana. However, we will need some help. Would you consider making a small gift to help us purchase new equipment for The Soul Steppers? Your gift will have a life-changing effect on more people and in many more ways than you can imagine.

Jim Loucks is director of bands at West Valley High School.