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You may have seen them perform at local games. You may have heard them blowing in the
wind, when you drive down LaBrea.
Now, the vibrant rhythms of Inglewood are going national. The Inglewood High School marching
band has been invited to perform in the 2025 National Independence Day Parade in
Washington, D.C., a prestigious honor that places the student musicians among the top high
school bands in the country.
The announcement has brought a wave of pride and excitement to the Inglewood community,
where the marching band has long served as a symbol of youth talent and perseverance. The
students will join other elite musical ensembles from across the nation on July 4th as they
parade through the heart of the capital, representing not only their school, but also the city of
Inglewood and the state of California.
This invitation marks a high point for the program, which has been steadily rebuilding and
expanding its reach over the past few years. Despite limited resources and repeated setbacks,
the band has remained a fixture at local parades, sports events, and civic celebrations. Their
performances often combine powerful brass and percussion with intricate choreography and a
contagious energy that reflects the cultural heartbeat of their city.
But this achievement doesn’t come without its challenges. The trip to Washington, D.C. is
expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars, covering airfare, accommodations, transportation,
uniforms, and instrument maintenance. While school officials and supporters are launching
fundraising drives, some residents have voiced concerns about whether sufficient resources will
be made available, especially in a district where budget cuts have affected arts programs in the
past.
Meanwhile, community reactions online have been overwhelmingly positive. On social media,
videos of the band practicing for the national stage have gone viral, drawing praise for their
dedication and talent. “They’re not just playing music, they’re playing for all of us,” wrote one
commenter on a local Facebook group. Posts calling for donations and sponsorships have
circulated widely, with local businesses stepping in to help fund the historic trip.
However, the buzz hasn’t come without controversy. Several posts on community forums
questioned whether public funds should be used for such a trip when some schools in the
district face infrastructure issues. Others referenced past criticisms of district leadership and
called for greater transparency in how resources are allocated.
Local media outlets have also reported minor disputes over the selection process for the
parade, with some alleging favoritism or a lack of clarity in how the band was chosen. District
officials have responded by emphasizing the merit-based nature of the parade invitation and
hard work of the students and instructors involved.
Despite the noise, the students are focused on the music. According to school administrators,
rehearsals have intensified as the band prepares a show that will blend patriotic themes with
their signature West Coast flair.
For the city of Inglewood, this moment offers a chance to be seen on a national stage, not for
stadiums or politics, but for the talent and drive of its youth. As one resident put it in a widely
shared tweet: “Let’s show the world that greatness marches from Inglewood.”
Play Ball.
