One hundred fifteen Inglewood High School band members are flying to Washington D.C. to perform in the country’s annual Independence Day Parade. 

The young musicians are representing not only their school and city, but the entire state. Inglewood High School is the only high school band from California selected to participate in the national event.

Before boarding their plane, Rebecca Ahumada, a drum major who helps choreograph the band’s performances, shared just how much this means for their school. 

“I was up since 2:30 in the morning, I couldn’t sleep, I was so excited. I think it’s a higher chance for the band to get more people to join, and it’s just giving us more opportunities in the future,” she said.

According to district officials, the trip was made possible entirely through fundraising—no student paid out of pocket.

While practicing for their performances, the band members were also leading fundraisers throughout the school year. They had the opportunity to perform for Snoop Dogg and the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for big donations.

This all-expense-paid trip was made possible by big donors like the Inglewood Educational Foundation, Greater LA Educational Foundation, Los Angeles Rams and even Snoop Dogg.

County Administrator Dr. James Morris was also present at LAX cheering the students on before their big day. Morris shared why this event is much more than just a parade performance for the students. 

“It really has been a partnership to make this possible for young people in our community. 

 It is a life changing experience for them.” he said.  

For some of the students, this trip marks many firsts in their lives. 

“They haven’t had this kind of opportunity, and for so many of them, this is the first time on an airplane, first time being out of the state of California. The excitement that they showed us this morning was just heartwarming,” shares Morris.

Interested in watching the students of Inglewood High School make history for their community? The entirety of the parade will be uploaded to the National Independence Day Parade’s Youtube channel.