The Lakota West and East marching bands joined forces last month for a trip to Hawaii to perform in the Waikiki Holiday Parade and for a performance at Pearl Harbor. Around 250 students traveled to the tropical island state for what would be an unforgettable and monumental trip for the band programs. 

Aside from the parade and Pearl Harbor performance, students had the opportunity to participate in many fun activities on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The bands explored the Dole Plantation and Polynesian Cultural Center, attended the Hā: Breath of Life show, visited the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and spent a day of fun and relaxation at the Secret Island. The combined bands also represented Lakota Local School District along with the state of Ohio in the Waikiki Holiday Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“I think my favorite part would have to probably be swimming in the ocean,”  said Maddie Hammons, a flute player and sophomore at Lakota East. “Also being able to put my phone down and enjoy the people around me was awesome.”

While at Pearl Harbor, drum majors from both Lakota West and Lakota East presented a wreath at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. Students were able to see the U.S.S. Arizona resting just below the memorial and pay their respects to the fallen soldiers whose bodies still lay within the ship.

“This was probably the best part of the trip for me,” said Lakota West junior trumpet player Michael Szczepaniak. “You got to see where it actually was, and you learn about it in history class but you actually get to see it… and just the solemness of it all… it was a good experience.”

This isn’t the first time the Lakota West Marching Band has traveled to Hawaii. In 2005, the band performed in the same parade under former band director Greg Snyder.