Holly High School, Holly, MI — June 16, 2020
The award-winning Holly High School Band graced the island of Oahu, Hawaii, last month with a musical aloha. The band trip, May 22-27, was part of the district’s ongoing commitment to making fine arts central to a well-rounded education that prepares Bronchos for success and careers.
“I want to congratulate our student musicians, who embraced this unique opportunity to display their talents in such a beautiful and scenic backdrop that has provided memories to last a lifetime,” said Ben Baldwin, Holly High School Band director. “Our Hawaii trip was the latest example of the ability of fine arts to provide key life skills that help prepare our Bronchos for the real world.”
Guest Performances
The students performed twice on the island, first with a 30-minute concert at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on May 23. During the performance, the band was situated across from the World War II submarine USS Bowfin, and within sight of the retired battleship Missouri and the resting place of the sunken Battleship Arizona. The band performed patriotic selections for the audience. Following the performance, the band was presented with an American flag that flew on the USS Bowfin and an engraved wooden Hawaiian bowl commemorating the performance. On May 25, the band performed at the Ala Moana shopping center, the largest outdoor mall in the United States.
The student musicians also had the opportunity to enjoy the local culture, including a trip to the Oahu Polynesian Cultural Center where they learned about the traditions and music of the six main Pacific islands of Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Aotearoa, and Tonga. The band also traveled to the base of the Diamondhead volcano and hiked to the summit, providing an up-close view of the Pacific Ocean and the cities of Waikiki and Honolulu from an elevation of 762 feet.
Military Send-Off
On the final day of the trip, the band visited U.S. Marine Corps Base Hawaii to witness the Marine Corps Band perform as part of the 1st Battalion, 12th Marines Artillery Unit change of command. The Marine Band later performed for the Broncho band members. That evening, the students enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Star of Honolulu.
“I’d like to thank our Holly High School staff and parent chaperones who made this extraordinary trip possible for our Broncho musicians,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “I’d also like to thank our community for its continued investment in a world-class fine arts program in our schools that helps prepare our students for bright futures.”
