A “once in a lifetime” opportunity has been given to the Ripley School Band.
The Ripley Band has been invited to take part in a mass band performance in conjunction with the Pearl Harbor 70th Anniversary commemoration in Hawaii. Ripley is one of only 13 bands from the United States invited to play with the Pearl Harbor 70th Anniversary mass band on Dec. 7, 2011.
“True once in a lifetime performance opportunities do not come along often,” said Kent Taylor, Ripley Band Director. “Yet that’s precisely what it is.”
Taylor said 32 Ripley High School Band members will be enjoying the “amazing honor.” An honor they have been working hard with various fundraisers to raise the money necessary. Candy bar sales, concession stands, car washes, odd jobs or chores have all been part of the fundraising endeavors.
“We are hoping to have all the money raised by October 15th,” Taylor said in a recent interview on the Donna & Molly Show. “We have to make our final payment by November 1st.”
Aside from fundraising and practicing the Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful and the Armed Forces Salute (songs for the mass performance), band members are learning what they can about Pearl Harbor.
“We want them to be familiar with the history and where they will be playing,” Taylor said. He has requested Ripley Band be able to play for the special ceremony for the ship Oklahoma since they are the only Oklahoma band to be invited. “It only seems appropriate.”
The 70th Anniversary mass band performance will honor military personnel and will pay special tribute to Pearl Harbor survivor and military bugler Allen Bodenlos, who travels from California to Hawaii twice each year at his own expense to pay his respects. Bodenlos has become a great friend to many people over the past few years and he has shared his story with thousands of students who have visited the Hawaiian Islands. Bodenlos used to joke by subtracting a few years when asked his age. Now a days, he says “I’m going to be 90, so who cares? I’m 90!” He also notes that Pearl Harbor survivors are disappearing which is why the 70th year is being commemorated instead of waiting for the 75th.
“Only once will there be a 70th Anniversary to one of our nation’s gloomiest days, December 7th and the attacks on Pearl Harbor,” Taylor explained. “Only once will there be a 70th Anniversary Mass Band Performance at Pearl Harbor. Only once will we have the opportunity to honor our past, present and future military personnel in this remarkable manner.”
If you would like to help the Ripley Band:
Write:
Kent Taylor – Band Director
PO Box 97
Ripley, OK 74023
OR
Call:
918-372-4245
OR
Email: [email protected]
You can also check them out on Facebook – Ripley Oklahoma Band
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