Dozens of students flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, for a weeklong trip from March 27 to April 1. University High School chaperones led students across the island of Oahu for recreational activities and a final Prince Kuhio Parade and Pearl Harbor performance to honor fallen soldiers and civilians.
“It’s a really good opportunity to [get to] know your band mates in another way and see them out in the world,” junior Anna Wilsen said. “It’s really fun to hang out with them.”
The parade was broadcast live on television, and students prepared for months, practicing marching techniques and musical pieces. Rehearsals were held after school and on weekends to prepare the UHS band, orchestra and color guard for a synchronized, well-practiced performance attended by chaperones, students’ family members, tourists and Oahu residents.
“The pieces that we played were the pieces we played in the [UHS] stands for football games, so we already know the music pretty well,” Wilsen said.
The band performed the UHS fight song, “On Wisconsin,” and “Peacemaker,” accompanied by the drumline’s cadences. Senior drum major Harrison Stone conducted the band using a whistle to count them off and a baton.
“I was able to do some flourishes and perform a couple [of] tricks with the baton,” Stone said. “It was actually just really fun, especially hearing the music coming from behind me and the energy of everybody.”
UHS performed alongside Hawaiian marching bands and color guard groups, a military band and a California high school. The parade also featured novelty cars, horses and a pageant queen. Senior color guard captain Diana Mirmahboub designed choreography for the two songs alongside her fellow guard members.
“It was super fun to make our own choreos because it brought out my creative side,” Mirmahboub said.
During the trip, students participated in recreational activities including hiking at Diamond Head State Monument, visiting Waikiki Beach, participating in water sports and a luau, taking historic tours and attending a music workshop at the University of Hawaii.
“I was very excited,” sophomore Ksenia Mininia said. “It [was] my first time in Hawaii and traveling this far away and for this long from my family.”
Students concluded the trip with a performance at Pearl Harbor, recognizing the lives lost during Japan’s attack in 1941. Through these events and activities, students created lasting memories and strengthened bonds within the UHS music community.
Overall, the spring break trip brought students together and strengthened the school’s performance arts community through both performances and shared experiences.
