The graduating class of 2020’s got it rough.
Needless to say, the coronavirus pandemic’s changed life for everyone. Important plans have been cancelled across the globe, including graduation commencements and once routine affairs like band competitions.
Although these do seem like dark days, some warmhearted people are going the extra mile to brighten our collective spirits – because they care.
Members of the Plano Senior High School Band staff have been going around playing the school’s fight song to senior band members as a graduation gift. The pandemic’s essentially derailed band meetings across the United States (and globe).
But the band’s staff won’t stand for it.
Weeks ago, the following graphic found its way on the Plano Band Boosters Facebook page.
The graphic’s pretty intense, honestly. It reminds me of a promotional poster for a hard rock band like KISS or Guns N’ Roses.
A trio of staff, including band director Jason Lewis and two assistants, has embarked on a “tour” on behalf of his students.
And of course, they’re being safe and taking the proper health precautions in doing so.
Spanning three straight days, the trio proceeds to visit each individual senior band member’s home, performing Plano’s fight song across the lawn.
Assistant band director Michael Hernandez jokingly states the following,
“I’ve got this bass drum that has a pedal on it. I’m like a one-man percussion section.”
Michael goes on to add,
“It’s gonna be a rock and roll kind of experience I think… All right boys, we ready? Let’s do this. Go Plano!”
He’s got a great mindset. His students are lucky.
The trio’s made a concerted effort to tackle every single senior’s home. They genuinely believe that the band members deserve a proper send-off, especially amid such ridiculous circumstances.
Senior Katelyn Knudtson absolutely loves it. She’s all smiles as they perform outside her home.
Katelyn goes on to tell NBC Dallas-Forth Worth,
“It’s pretty cool they came all the way down to East Plano just to play the fight song for me one last time.”
But there are many, many more stops for the trio, including Jason Villanueva.
The band pulls up to Jason’s home – he’s ecstatic.
He and his family begin to record the unique experience.
The trio begins to play the school’s fight song.
The group features a french horn, bass and snare drum, and what appears to be a straight soprano saxophone – a rather eclectic collection of instruments, all things considered.
Jason Villanueva, a senior member of the band, reflects on the tour,
“It’s actually a privilege. Not many students get to have their teacher come to their house and play for them.”
His band instructors are clearly compassionate people.
The trio’s tour includes nearly 100 stops, spanning seven hours per day. But they don’t mind. Band director Jason Lewis explains,
“We have a phrase in the Plano band that says ‘same thing, last time, finish strong’ and they truly have finished strong. Anything we can do to help boost some spirits and give them a lasting memory.”
The students clearly appreciate the gesture. Senior Marie Loy was brought to tears upon seeing their performance, stating,
“Well, band has been my life for four years, so it just means a lot. I feel like I finally got a proper goodbye.”
Life in lockdown and quarantine has taken a lot of getting used to. Even with loosening restrictions in certain municipalities and states, life proceeds completely changed. Public gatherings are almost nonexistent and most schools remain closed or completely virtual.
Fortunately, a compassionate few won’t let the coronavirus rain on their parade, continuing to spread love and cheer.
The Plano Senior High School Band staff’s farewell tour will clearly leave a lasting impression on the entirety of the band’s graduating class.
That’s love, right there. The trio’s efforts will never be forgotten.
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