SMYRNA, Tenn. (WKRN) — Some Rutherford County high schoolers are preparing to perform on the national stage.
The Stewarts Creek High School Band will play in the 60th presidential inauguration. Band directors told News 2 this a once in a lifetime experience for students.
“We had so many students that were bouncing off the walls and just excited for the opportunity and the honor,” band director Michael Chester said. “And our parents and our school board and our administration.”
After applying with letters of support from state and local leaders, the group of 160 students was selected to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration parade on Jan. 20.
“Here at Stewarts Creek, we always strive for excellence and we ask our kids to do their very best. We know that this band is special and it’s just really exciting that we’re going to be able to showcase our students on the national stage,” band director Debbie Burton said.
“At the time when we found out, it was five weeks away, and just all the things that we have to get together in order to take this trip and prepare the kids for the performance.”
They’re also working to raise $120,000 which is the total cost of the trip.
“To ask them to raise this money in a short amount of time is a daunting task. It’s huge,” Burton said. “We really need businesses and individuals to come together and help support our students in this endeavor.”
The band will perform a patriotic medley of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” Since the band’s inception in 2013, the group has performed at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, and the Lincoln Memorial. However, directors told News 2 the presidential inauguration is, by far, the most prestigious invitation they’ve ever received.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for these students to be a part of history and to serve our nation,” Chester added.
To donate to help pay for the trip, follow this link.
