Like many programs, we had a trip to Washington DC planned for April of 2020 to participate in the National High School Concert Band Invitational. We had to cancel that trip but we did not give up. It might be two years later, but it was important to us to make this trip happen and we are so glad we did. We were in DC from April 19th-23rd visiting the National Mall, touring the Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, going to the National Harbor, and most importantly participating in the President’s Cup Concert Band Festival.
Our student musicians received clinics from some of the best active and retired military musicians in our country. After our festival performance, we were able to see a concert by The United States Army Field Band which was beyond impressive and the students loved it. To cap off a wonderful trip our own Mira Costa High School Band was awarded the President’s Cup by Colonel Jim R. Keene. You can watch it here!
The biggest thank you to Lana Imbagliazzo, our Chair of Trips & Festivals, who made this trip her full-time job, planned, executed, and successfully pulled off a wonderful opportunity for our students. This could not have happened without her leadership!
Of course, a huge thank you to Mr. Carlson & Mr. Tran, who helped us transport over 100 instruments across the country and then instructed our amazing musicians to perform at their peak level on this beautiful concert stage.
112 students attended the trip and when we asked a student how it went we heard ‘this is the best field trip I have ever been on!’
You can check out some of our performances here:
https://mattlucephotography.smugmug.com/Mira-Costa-Bands-President-s-Cup/n-5F4MVc/
ARTICLE ABOUT EVENT: https://www.thembnews.com/2022/04/22/397776/mira-costa-teams-clubs-shine-in-local-state-and-national-competitions