After being invited to play in Mobile, AL during Mardi Gras week, the Cross Keys High School Pride of Brookhaven Marching Band is raising funds to finance the trip without imposing hardship on the students’ families.
Alonzo Julian, the school’s band director, said his goal is “to raise this money so the students don’t have to come out of pocket for anything.”
A GoFundMe campaign has already raised about $7,000 of it $15,000 goal.
Working through adversity
“A lot of these kids have been through a lot of hardships,” Julian said, getting a little choked up while speaking to Rough Draft Atlanta. “Some of these kids’ parents or relatives have been taken away by ICE, but the kids still show up every day for school. I’m sorry to be getting emotional. I just love them so much.”
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Cross Keys, a Title 1 school located in Brookhaven, is 90 percent Hispanic, according to DeKalb County School District statistics. POB is DeKalb County’s only predominantly Hispanic band, Julian said.
The director, who has been at the school for three years, said the program, during his early tenure, “was what I called a pots and pans band.”
The school’s program has undergone a radical transformation since then, and now has 68 members.
“Over the past few years, our band has grown tremendously – not just in numbers, but in discipline, musicianship, and pride. Many of our students came into the program with little to no musical experience,” said a narrative on the GoFundMe page. “Through long rehearsals, after-school practices, weekends, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, they have transformed into confident performers who represent our school and community with integrity and heart.”
Julian said the band has played at local business ribbon-cutting ceremonies, like Trader Joe’s, Chick-fil-A, and Dunkin’ Donuts, as well as the city’s annual Light-Up Brookhaven celebration.
Calls for support
City officials offered their support for the band on social media.
“They show up for us, now it’s time to return the favor, Brookhaven,” the post said. “The Cross Keys High School Band has been invited to participate in the Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile, AL and needs community funding to ensure all band members are able to attend, regardless of financial circumstances.”
The money raised, Julian said, will help cover transportation, lodging, meals, and participation costs, and will provide the students with a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“This trip is more than a parade. It’s an educational and cultural experience that exposes our students to history, tradition, teamwork, and the reward that comes from perseverance and dedication,” the GoFundMe page said. “Your support directly invests in their growth, confidence, and their belief that hard work truly opens doors.”
The playlist the band director has chosen for the celebration, “Order of Kahos Mardi Gras Parade,” is as personal as his passion for his program and its students.
The first, Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 hit “I Will Survive,” is a token of “what the students are going through now,” he said. “‘The Party Don’t Stop’ shows that they want to go on, no matter what.”
The last, 1988’s “The Skin I’m In” by Cameo, illustrates societal struggles minorities are facing and getting through those tough times.
Julian said he is excited to introduce the band to parade participants, and in turn, expand his students’ horizons.
“We are ready to show the world what we’re all about,” he said.
