Twenty-seven Iola middle and high school band students will give the performance of a lifetime Saturday as the guests of the federal government to perform in front of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The students, along with 13 chaperones, embark on the trip Thursday evening, under the direction of band teacher Brandi Holt.
Holt said Wednesday she sees the trip as an opportunity for students to see the U.S. government at work.
“I thought with 2024 being an election year, the students’ interest may be heightened in our government,” said Holt. “We looked into opportunities for the students to do tours of some of the museums and we’re hopefully going to perform at 11 a.m., Saturday, in front of the World War II Memorial.” The operative word being “hopefully” since the performance will hinge on whether the looming possibility of a government shutdown happens.
“The performance is actually organized by a federal agency, so if they go on furlough we won’t be allowed to perform,” Holt noted. “If the government does shut down, it can still serve as an educational opportunity for my students to see how that works.”
If the band is able to perform, they will have an hour to showcase four songs they’ve been rehearsing.
The House passed legislation Tuesday to avert a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September. The measure now moves to the Senate.
A government shutdown could also affect other aspects of the trip itinerary. Students are anticipating taking guided tours, beginning with Arlington Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. This will be followed by a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
“We will visit the Smithsonian Institutes,” said Holt. “There are 11 museums that the students can choose from within their chaperone groups.” She added that she believes students will primarily visit the American Art Museum, Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History.
HOLT’S HOPE is to have the bands go on a rotation of a big trip every four years and a smaller trip every two years. The group’s last trip — a smaller one — was to St. Louis. “I’ve been teaching here for five years and this will be my second trip I’ve planned,” she added.
The expense of the trip is paid for through fundraising efforts by the students. “Whatever is left over after fundraising comes out-of-pocket, so the students are definitely motivated to fundraise,” noted Holt.
Kahdrien Boeken and Avery Strickler, both eighth grade trumpet players, shared their excitement for the trip Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s going to be a great learning opportunity,” said Boeken. “I’m most excited to tour the museums.” Strickler is looking forward to their Saturday performance, as well as watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is the furthest away either have traveled. “It’s going to be cool to perform so far from home,” added Strickler.
Students and chaperones will start the 21-hour trip to Washington, D.C., at 5 p.m. today, via motor coach. They will arrive back in Iola Tuesday at 7 a.m.
“My hope is that the students will walk away with an appreciation of our American culture and learn more about our government,” said Holt. “They will learn a lot of travel etiquette while attending the museums and I hope they develop an overall appreciation for our nation.”
