From The Tribune staff reports
WASHINGTON – Members of the Hewitt-Trussville High School Marching Husky Band, who are also members of the HTHS Chamber Choir, brought a crowd of Washington, D.C., tourists to complete silence on Saturday, April 15, 2023, when they began an impromptu performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The Husky Band, along with Springville High School’s Mighty Band from Tiger Land, were in the nation’s capital this weekend to perform in the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, which took place Saturday morning at 10 a.m. EST/ 9 a.m. CST, from 7th – 17th Streets Northwest off Constitution Avenue.
Following the parade, the Husky Band visited the historic Jefferson Memorial, built in honor of former president Thomas Jefferson.
While inside, seven band students who are also members of the chamber choir formed a circle next to the statue of Thomas Jefferson and began singing the national anthem. A crowd of tourists fell silent as the students continued singing.
Following the impromptu performance, those listening erupted into cheers and applause.
“Our Chamber Choir students curated a special moment for everyone at the Jefferson Memorial this evening,” said a post on the Hewitt-Trussville High School Band Instagram Saturday night.
The full chamber choir, under the direction of HTHS choir teacher Alan Gillespie, has performed this version of the national anthem many times, including a Talladega performance on national television via Fox Sports.
To view the full performance on the @hthsband Instagram page, click the link below.
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