For the Albertville High School Aggie Band, the past week has had its unexpected twists and turns.
Days ago, the almost 400-member band was set to travel to Washington D.C. to march in the Presidential inaugural parade. After a last-minute cancellation of the event due to frigid temperatures, students were left uncertain about the status of the trip. However, officials with the Albertville City School System quickly stepped up to offer the band members an unforgettable experience in the nation’s capital despite the change in plans.
“As you can imagine, we are disappointed by this decision, especially in receiving it just a day before our departure,” a post on the band’s Facebook said. “However, in the spirit of resilience that defines our community, we met with the band this evening to let them know that we have decided to proceed with the trip and that we are actively exploring other venues in Washington, D.C., for them to perform. We want to showcase the exceptional talents of the Aggie Band, honor their dedication, and ensure they receive the audience they so richly deserve.”
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While in D.C., the students had the opportunity to interact with two of Alabama’s elected officials, Senator Katie Britt and Congressman Robert Aderholt.
On Tuesday evening, the legislators met with the band on the steps of the capitol building to celebrate their achievement of being just one of four high school bands in the country selected to march in the parade.
“So good to visit with the Albertville High School Aggie Band who were in town to perform in the inaugural parade,” said Britt. “While the cold temperatures changed plans and prevented their performance, it was great to see them while they were in Washington. Their skills, passion, and perseverance shone through the wintery weather in our nation’s capital, representing Alabama in tremendous fashion. Grateful for the students, parents, faculty, and staff who made this trip, and all those back in our state who made it possible.”
Aderholt was also pleased that the Aggie Band was able to make the trip.
“Senator Katie Britt and I enjoyed getting to meet with the members of the Albertville High School band tonight,” Aderholt said. “They were supposed to have performed in the inaugural parade but those plans fell through when the parade was canceled. But I’m glad they were still able to come to the Capitol!”
Had the parade taken place as scheduled, it would have been the first time the school’s band had been selected to perform at the inauguration.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
