‘You Feel Powerful’: Marching Through Carnival

Each year, the streets of New Orleans come alive with the vibrant sounds of high school marching bands leading up to and during the Carnival season, which spans from January 6 to Fat Tuesday. At schools like L.B. Landry High and St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School, students dedicate extensive hours to practice, not only learning music but also gaining life skills such as discipline and time management. Wilbert Rawlins, a veteran band director, emphasizes the transformative journey of students who often start with no musical background. Participating in the band has led many students to pursue college scholarships and academic excellence. For Roshyde Waters, a sophomore at Landry, band is a cherished tradition that boosts his energy for both performances and academics. At St. Katharine Drexel, Kennedy Gibson, a junior trumpet player, finds joy and leadership in her role, seeing music as an outlet for her emotions and creativity. As parades like the Krewe of Muses fill the city, marchers relish the experience of sharing their energy and talents with the community. Dionne Randolph, who oversees the band lineup for the Krewe of Muses, views Carnival as a time of cultural healing and rejuvenation. The event culminates in unforgettable performances under structures like the Claiborne Avenue Bridge, where the music creates a powerful shared experience. Extracted by: https://Janestrinketonline.com.