The Key West High School Band received big news and a huge honor recently. They were invited to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade in London, England. The week-long trip includes several additional performance opportunities.
Students, parents and band supporters are feverishly raising money to ensure that all students can participate in the experience.
Band director Gary Hernandez initially was hesitant due to the cost of the trip, but then he spoke with the band director at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, who told him the experience is invaluable for the students, and if there was any way at all make it happen, they should go, band parent Jamie Strunk told the Keys Weekly.
At Key West High School, the term “band” goes well beyond halftime performances during football games. The commitment to band extends to the classroom, where students earn fine arts credits for their participation in the grueling but enjoyable immersive musical experience.
“At Key West High School, the marching band is actually a combination of smaller musical groups, including the symphonic band, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, jazz ensemble and color guard,” Hernandez said, adding that the band received the highest rating of “superior” during an evaluation performance in Palm Beach earlier this year.
“The band is an exceptional student-run organization under the direction of Mr. Hernandez,” Strunk said. “He’s a phenomenal leader and advocate for his students. I cannot say enough good things about this program, the students and their director.”
