Two months ago, in August, the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina,
Hurricane Ida made landfall. Many homes were torn apart, leaving families with
no choice but to leave and not return. Schools were affected, and businesses
suffered due to the record winds from Hurricane Ida.
The damage left behind was incredibly overwhelming. The trash in front of
homes can still be seen in different areas. If you take the time to ride around
the city, you will see blue tarps on the roofs of houses. In March 2020,
COVID-19 slowly but surely became widespread and forced schools to endure what
came with it. This school year, Hurricane Ida affected L.H. Marrero Middle
School's band heavily. The entire instrument inventory was, sadly, damaged.
Jeremy Williams, director of the school's band, said that New Orleans and
the surrounding areas are known for their indigenous music worldwide. There are
three main things people visit this city for: the music, the food, and Mardi
Gras. If you know anyone who doesn't at least care for Mardi Gras, you might want
to check their temperature.
The pandemic has not gone away just because of a hurricane. We're still
living during this devastation. The music world has suffered a great deal
because of COVID. Williams expressed that not only did the pandemic affect all
of our lives and our city, but a natural disaster has also swept in and created
more damage. COVID-19 restrictions have been limiting bands on what they can
do. Now, the hurricane is the latest setback for the community. This community
thrives on music and the education thereof. The band may not be able to belt
out any sounds right now, but they won't be silent for long.
Williams and his band are currently trying to gather as many resources
and musical instruments as they possibly can. The community, along with the
band, are calling out to those who are able to help during this time. Williams
says that in a band, "our voices" are our instruments. There is a strong need
for you to check with any family and friends who would help find resources and
instruments for music to stay alive. To Williams, it's not about him or the
band. He is aware that the community, our home, and our culture are what's most
important. We can't hear that local New Orleans brass band music unless they
have their instruments.
Living in the city, music naturally goes along with any activity: music
festivals, parades, second lines, you name it! The youth is one group that gets
into the music the most. For Williams, teaching them music is also teaching
life. The skills that are needed to succeed in a band are the same ones that
are required to succeed in life. Children and young adults need direction. They
need something that will motivate them to do what is correct and acceptable. They
get that by being part of a band. When kids are part of a team in general, they
learn the values of teamwork, discipline, self-confidence, and working toward a
common goal. Many activities and programs need the support of the community for
survival. Some band members of the school go home to visible damages to their
homes. Think about what could be going on through their minds knowing that not
only are their homes in shambles, but they don't have an instrument to play.
Williams is set to make something shake for his band. He loves what he does and
refuses to see the kids he teaches suffer. There isn't a doubt in Williams'
mind that with the community's help, they will become stronger than ever.
According to Williams, Marrero
Middle School band is a very strong and highly developed program. The program
has a concert band, marching band, New Orleans brass band, brass ensemble, and
woodwind ensemble. Their success has opened doors for them to compete and will
undoubtedly lead them to glory.
If anyone would like to contribute to the band
program, contact Jeremy Williams at Jeremy.Williams@jpschools.org
Any donations can be sent to the following
address:
Attention: Jeremy Williams
Marrero Middle School Band
L.H.Marrero Middle School
4100 Seventh St.
Marrero, Louisiana 70072
Instruments that were damaged due to Hurricane Ida:
Woodwinds:
Flute, Clarinet, Bass
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone
Brass:
Trumpet, French Horn,
Trombone, F-Attachment Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba, Sousaphone
Percussion:
Marching Percussion and Marching Drum Carriers: (Snares with carriers, Bass Drum with carriers, Tenors with carriers, Cymbals,) Drum Set
Concert Percussion: Snare
drum, bass drum, practice pads, snare stands for practice pads, Keyboard and
amp
