On Sunday, January 10, 55 students traveled to Washington, DC for the bi-annual band trip. With over 40 instruments, including six drums, we embarked on the 9-hour bus ride, that was followed by watching an intense and impactful performance of West Side Story at the Signature Theatre.

A long day of performances and workshops awaited us on the second day. After touring the International Trade Center, the Jazz Band performed a few snazzy songs in the building atrium, much to the delight of many passersby. Afterwards, the Concert Band headed to the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, where we improved various parts of our concert lineup, while Jazz Band visited the Air and Space Museum.

Post-workshop, the two bands traded places and met up at dinner before returning to the hotel for a night of bonding and card games.

On day three, we visited Fort Myer’s army post next to Arlington National Cemetery. None of us expected to hear a “Frozen” medley during a rehearsal of Pershing’s army band, but it was excellent. A tour of the Natural History Museum before dinner hit the spot.

On our last day, we had a surprise visit with Senator Rob Portman, whose assistant took us through the underground tunnels between the Senate Offices and the Capitol Building.

We had one more tour of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before heading home. The drive back to Columbus was long but worth all we experienced.

(Photos by Dr. Morris)