Bob Jones Band in Hawaii for Pearl Harbor ceremonies

MADISON – Students in Bob Jones High School Band have traveled to Hawaii to perform for Pearl Harbor anniversary observances on Dec. 7.

“Our band is embarking on a trip of a lifetime to Honolulu to participate in the 2017 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and also have the honor of performing at the USS Missouri Memorial,” Bob Jones Principal Sylvia Lambert said.

“The students have studied history, but this trip will allow them to actually see Pearl Harbor, to talk with many veterans and to gain more cultural awareness,” Lambert said. “I think this will bring more understanding to what our veterans experienced and a broader global perspective.”

On their travel day, the entourage divided into three groups, which flew from Nashville or Birmingham on Dec. 5. They will return home on Dec. 10.

On Dec. 6, the band will play in a tribute performance at the USS Missouri. On Dec. 7, the anniversary of attacks on Pearl Harbor, they will participate in opening ceremonies, march in Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and perform with Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band in closing ceremonies.

On Dec. 8, band members will tour the island of Oahu and have a luau dinner at Polynesian Cultural Center. On Dec. 9, the will hike on Diamondhead and then prepare to travel home, Bob Jones Band Booster President Karen Matheney said.

The band’s planned activities include a Hawaiian flower lei greeting and tours of Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Pali Lookout, Dole Plantation, North Shore Beaches, world famous Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach.

“Our BJ Band has worked very hard to fundraise and prepare for this trip. I am so very proud of them,” Lambert said.

Leigh Thomas is director of Bob Jones Bands. Kevin Smart is assistant director.