The Key West High School Band is preparing for an unforgettable journey to Rome in late December 2025 and early January 2026, where they will represent their school, city and state on an international stage. The band is the only high school from Florida to participate in this event, where they will share their music with schools, churches and communities across Italy.
The Key West High School Band will join four other student bands from across the United States. Their performances include the vibrant Frascati Festival on New Year’s Eve, followed by a high-profile appearance in the New Year’s Day Parade in Rome on Jan. 1. The highlight of the trip will take place on Jan. 2, when the band performs at Basilica di Sant’Andrea della Valle — a once-in-a-lifetime moment for these talented young musicians.
“We are honored to showcase our state and our community to the world,” said Gary Hernandez, director of bands and choirs at Key West High School. “Our students will represent our island with pride, and I know they will make Key West proud.”
To make this dream a reality, students are actively raising money to help cover the costs of the trip. Businesses and individuals who wish to support can visit kwhsband.com, where they’ll find two donation options: one to sponsor specific students and another to contribute to a general fund for students with financial need. They are still in need of $60,000 in total to support the balance the students have not yet been able to raise.
The Key West High School Band has been a cornerstone of the school’s arts program since about 1917, performing in over 100 cities and four countries. With 120 students enrolled this year, the program continues to grow in popularity and impact.
