HOUSTON - At Waltrip High School, Tuesday afternoon, class was out for the day, but things were just getting tuned up for the Roarin Red Ram Band. The group is the only high school band in Texas to be invited to perform in Washington, D.C in the National Independence Day parade on the 4th of July.
They are putting in some long hours to fully prepare.
"I feel really special. Like it's an experience that I never thought I would have," said band member Mykal Amboree.
Band director Jesse Espinosa knows his students deserve it.
"To represent our whole country on its birthday, that's big," said Espinosa.
Senior Gabriella Fuentes will lead them.
"We are really hardworking. We come together as a family," said Fuentes.
This will be the second time the inner city music program has performed in D.C., but for many of the newer students, it will be a first.
"A lot of them have never been out of the city, so this would be just huge for them," said Espinosa.
For Fuentes, it would be icing on the cake. She said being part of the band has changed her life.
"It boosted my confidence," said Fuentes. "Keep my grades up and it's pushed me to get accepted to Texas A&M."
She will be the first in her family to go to college.
"What makes them wake up early in the morning and show up on a consistent basis. Fine arts is one of them and band is one of them," said Espinosa.
For many others, band has also helped their futures.
"Most of us, we can play an instrument pretty well," said Amboree.
Kevin Woodard is headed to Sam State University in the Fall.
"How to be a well-rounded person," said Woodard.
While they have the invitation to go and perform, the cost of the trip is an obstacle.
"We hosted car washes, we hosted benefit concerts," said Fuentes.
And with not a whole lot of money to give these kids their dream come true, Espinosa hopes the community will lend a helping hand.
"If I could, I'd get on my hands and knees and beg the whole city of Houston to help us because these kids deserve it," said Espinosa.
If you would like to help donate click here.
Upcoming fundraisers:
Saturday, June 6th- walk-a-thon (Waltrip High School)
Saturday, June 20th- kickball tournament (Waltrip High School)
Saturday, June 20th- dinner (Hickory Hollow Restaurant on Heights Blvd)
