The band was on tour yesterday, but only for six hours as they visited three elementary schools in order to perform and influence younger musicians.

“This field trip is a full day of band, where our wonderful high school marching band goes and shows off to the elementary schools. We play a selection of music from our shows, introduce many of the instruments in band, and do our best to encourage the kids to join band, orchestra, or choir in the future,” Jack Cooney, senior vice president of band, said.

While performing is a big part of the field trip, the band also wants to give back to the community of elementary schools that have shaped their musical careers to what they are today, according to Cooney.

“My favorite part of going to this is seeing the elementary schools and reminiscing back to when I was one of those kids out there. It motivates me to be as professional as I can, in order to show the elementary schoolers what high school band is all about,” Cooney said. “I like going to the elementary schools because of us high schoolers an opportunity to give back to the community and encourage children to take up a musical instrument, which is something that’s been very positive and influential in my life.”