In New Orleans, the high school marching bands are a vibrant part of the city's cultural landscape, especially during Carnival season, which starts on January 6 and ends on Fat Tuesday. During this time, students from schools like L.B. Landry High School and St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School take part in parades, bringing joy to the community with colorful costumes and lively music. Many students start their musical journey with these bands, learning to play instruments under the guidance of experienced directors like Wilbert Rawlins. Practices begin in August and often lead to college scholarships, as students gain not only musical skills but also valuable life lessons in discipline and teamwork. For students like Roshyde Waters, a sophomore at Landry, participating in band has taught him time management and the importance of academics. At St. Katharine Drexel, students such as Kennedy Gibson find joy and personal growth in their music, viewing their performances as creative outlets and moments of happiness. The Krewe of Muses, one of the parades during Carnival, showcases these bands, with performances of pop songs and traditional music echoing through the streets. Dionne Randolph, who has organized the marching band lineup for the Krewe for 25 years, sees Carnival as a time for healing and cultural celebration. Through the dedication and talent of these young musicians, New Orleans' Carnival season remains a festive and powerful experience. Extracted by: https://Janestrinketonline.com.