TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — There's a life changing opportunity for one local high school marching band to play in a historic parade in the nation's capital.
But not every child can afford to go and now they need your help.
"This is the type of trip that puts a band on the map," said Timotheus Harper, the director of bands at Amos P. Godby High School.
It's the chance of a lifetime.
"It means a lot," said Quadrick Harris, a tuba player in the Godby Marching Cougar Band. "If I could just have a chance get out there show my face - put my face out in the world."
The Godby Marching Cougar Band is going to Washington D.C. on Jan. 16 to perform in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade. But sadly, not everybody can afford to attend.
"I have about 15 or 20 kids who, for situations or things that are unspoken, can't go and it's tough, it's really tough," said Harper.
Itzel is one of the band members who can't go. Her parents are facing financial difficulties.
"I thought it would be nice if I could go with them but, according to my circumstances, I can't. So I thought It's ok," said Itzel Aguilar through tears.
The school has been able to raise most of the money for the $65,000 trip through fundraising and private support but they are still about $10,000 short to send all 76 band members to Washington.
That's why they are asking the community for donations.
"We always say it takes a village to raise a child so with a lot of community support it could be possible for more kids to go," Harper explained.
Not just any trip or parade, but a celebration of music, history and validation for the young musicians in the marching band to prove that hard work and dedication do pay off.
Something Itzel hopes she'll know firsthand if she's able to join her fellow bandmates on that bus to Washington.
"To me it would be honestly ecstatic," Aguilar said. "It would be euphoria."
"Think about if someone you knew didn't have a chance to go, what would you do for them?" said Harper.
To donate, contact Godby High School at 850-617-4700 or email Timotheus Harper at HarperT@LeonSchools.net.
