By April-Joy McCann
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Most students spend their New Year’s Day celebrating with their family and friends. But Seniors Jocelyn Ebesu, Kristopher Ward, Tyler Yamauchi, Rachel Yonamine and Junior Aliza Mari Ancheta spent the new year as a part of the Hawaii All-State Marching Band, Na Koa Alii, that participated in the 125th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. The trip, which was from Dec. 25 to Jan. 3, was a once in a lifetime opportunity that expanded the students’ musical abilities.
“I have a whole bunch of amazing friends from all over not just Oahu, but the state of Hawaii. It reminded me that no matter how far we all may be we’re still connected through music and we always will be,” expressed Yonamine.
Each year, states apply to participate in the Rose Parade but only a few are selected every year. In 2009, MHS attended the parade but did not participate in it. This will be the first time in over 10 years that MHS has marched. “The Rose Bowl is a very prestigious parade. There are certain requirements that won’t allow our marching band to actually participate in the parade. So I thought (about) giving them an opportunity and I thought that they would represent the school well,” explained Marching Band Director Derek Kaapana, who nominated the students.
The Hawaii All-State Marching Band, comprised of approximately 100 schools and 400 students, was created over a year ago. Practices were held monthly starting from December 2012 until the last month, increasing in frequency. “When we got to California we had to have practices everyday for about three (to) four hours or more,” said Yonamine, “It was vital that we practiced though because we weren’t a whole band until we got to California and met with the marchers from all the other islands.”
While on the trip, the band participated in a bandfest at Pasadena City College. The goal was to feature the outstanding bands as each school presented the show that led to its success. The main event for the students however, was when the Na Koa Alii participated in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. “I would definitely say my favorite part was actually marching the parade. It was about a six-mile parade and it was pretty rigorous. But it was pretty fun at the same time,” expressed Ancheta.
Having participated in this experience, the students were able to develop their musical abilities. “When you’re involving yourself and interacting with students of various levels and with other teachers, it helps you to grow as you understand things a little bit differently or more,” said Kaapana. Ancheta added, “I learned how to be a better musician myself. We combined our technique together with the other schools to become one band.”
Besides the knowledge students gained from this trip, they also created bonds with people that will go beyond high school. “It’s an amazing experience getting to say you marched in the Pasadena Rose Parade but it’s even more amazing to say you got to do it with your best friends,” said Yonamine.
Although this may be the last time that MHS students will be participating in the Rose Parade for a while, Hawaii will still be represented next year by the Maui Marching Band that will march in the parade in 2015.
