It is something that has been talked about for years.
Now band members from Humboldt Public School, St. Augustine, St. Dominic, and HCI can say they have performed together on one stage at the Band Extravaganza on May 25.
Eight bands made up of students from grades 5-12 performed two songs each for the audience and then all got together to play the Star Wars theme for their finale, which also included some adults players.
HCI band instructor, Kate Wickenhauser, credits the band parents association with getting together and planning the concert.
“They’ve wanted to for a few years but this year it was more reasonable to expect. There were more people willing to put forth the effort into getting it going.”
For the finale, students practiced with their own bands and then came together as a group on the night.
Excluding the bassoon, every other instrument was there to play, says Wickenhauser.
Sharon Bates instructs all seven elementary school bands and conducted the finale number.
“When you’re doing something like that you never really know how it’s going to go until it happens but the kids I talked to really enjoyed playing in that big group.”
The biggest group Bates has is around 30 kids so it was a new experience to have around 150 kids playing one song.
The response to the finale from the parents was very positive, says Wickenhauser.
Band is thriving in Humboldt, says Wickenhauser and the students got to show that off with their pieces.
It was a lot of work for all the parents and both Wickenhauser and Bates were quick to thank all those who helped transport instruments and equipment, wrangle kids, and helped with the bake sale and silver collection at the door.
It was decided that the silver collection money would go to Arts Humboldt.
Brian Grest with Arts Humboldt says it was very unexpected and welcome.
“This isn’t an Arts Humboldt event in any way, shape, or form, so it was very nice for them to think of us when they were looking to donate the gate,” says Grest.
Bates also would like to thank Sobeys and McDonalds for donating coffee and juice, the Humboldt Public School for hosting the event, the Bolt, and the parents and community for their continued support of the Humboldt bands.
