AWE-INSPIRING. Humbling. Magnitude. Inspiring. Breathtaking.
These are words members of the Columbus North High School marching band used to describe their recent trip to Washington, D.C., which included a performance in the presidential inaugural parade Jan. 20 and tours of the city.
The Sound of North accepted an invitation from Vice President Mike Pence — a 1977 graduate of Columbus North — to perform in the parade. With the help of generous donors and volunteers, more than $141,000 needed to make the trip possible was raised.
Millions of television viewers saw the band in action as networks showed live moments of Sound of North’s performance — consisting of two patriotic songs and a drum cadence — during their parade coverage, particularly when it passed the presidential viewing stand and received a huge round of applause from Pence.
Additionally, the band visited some of the nation’s most hallowed monuments, museums and other attractions:
Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam and Marine Corps memorials
Arlington National Cemetery, including participating in a laying-of-the-wreath ceremony
Smithsonian Museums
Museum of Modern Art and National Gallery of Art
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the students. And it was a moment in which Columbus residents could take great pride.
The community rallied enthusiastically behind the band and did what was needed to send the members to Washington for an experience that few high school bands ever have.
Sound of North represented the city with class and in a positive manner at a time when the worldwide spotlight included a native son becoming second-in-command of the United States.
The inauguration was an historic moment in the nation’s history, and the Sound of North had a place in it.
Memorable.
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