Yreka Miners President’s Cup Band Festival Trip

Yreka High School Band Represented Pacific Northwest at Presidents Cup Band Festival in Washington D.C.

From April 15th to 21st, 2023, the Yreka High School Band had the incredible opportunity to perform at the prestigious Presidents Cup Band Festival in Washington D.C. The festival, which showcases talented high school bands from across the nation, was an unforgettable experience for the 30 students who participated in the trip.

During their time in the nation’s capital, the Yreka High School Band not only performed at the festival but also had the chance to explore the city’s rich history and culture. The students visited several renowned attractions, including the Smithsonian Institution, where they immersed themselves in the vast collections of art, history, and science exhibits. They also paid their respects at the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Iconic landmarks that honor the sacrifices made by American heroes.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa, 1st District of California joins in on the tour around the U.S. Capitol

The experience left the students with a new sense of Patriotism

Eric Seiler

However, the highlight of the trip for many students was the opportunity to watch the United States Army Band, also known as “Pershing’s Own,” perform in Manassas, Virginia. The Army Band, founded in 1922, is one of the premier musical organizations in the United States military and has a rich history of performing for presidents, heads of state, and the public. Witnessing their exceptional musicianship and precision was an awe-inspiring experience for the aspiring musicians from Yreka High School.

The Yreka High School band got to join the Army Band, showcasing their musical skills and representing their school on a national platform. This opportunity not only allowed them to collaborate with some of the finest musicians in the country but also provided them with invaluable experience and exposure to professional-level performance standards.

Yreka High School was one of only five schools nationwide chosen to attend the Presidents Cup Band Festival, underscoring the caliber of their music program. The other participating schools included one high school each from Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana, as well as Mira Mesa High School from San Diego, California.

The collaboration between the students and “Pershing’s Own” Army Band serves as a testament to the dedication and talent of the school’s music program. It also highlights the importance of such festivals in providing young musicians with unique opportunities to learn, grow, and interact with professionals in their field.

The experience gained by these students will undoubtedly inspire their peers and future generations of musicians at Yreka High School to strive for excellence and seek out similar opportunities to showcase their talents. The students returned home with newfound appreciation for their country’s history, a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by its armed forces, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Ford family grant and fundraising through “Miner Power”. The band has been able to raise $40,000 of the $47,000 trip expenses so far. The band has been setting up vending booths at events learning another valuable skill and having fun in the process.

A special thanks to Terry and Kieth Callison, Mallisa McFarland, Maddie Carr for chaperoning and helping keep everything going smoothly.

Yreka has an outstanding music program with 150+ students and 30+ involved in drama & arts after school.

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