Burlington, North Carolina — Only one North Carolina high school band will be playing at the Sugar Bowl this year. However, obstacles stand in their way.
Gregory Milton is the band director at Hugh Cummings High School in Alamance County. He has been teaching music for his 20 years and his love of art started when he learned how to play the piano at the age of 5.
“I thought the Lord only wanted me to play and teach songs. That’s how we sing the same song.
He teaches children not only musical skills, but also life lessons.
“Whether we go to New Orleans, visit the Roses, or go to the Walmart parking lot, I want to remind myself and my students every day that we are a force to be reckoned with. ‘, said Milton. Whether it’s going to New Orleans, visiting the Roses, or visiting the Walmart parking lot, I want to remind myself and my students every day that we have immense power. ‘ said Milton. “We are immeasurably powerful, and I am only trying to unlock in these students the keys that have been unlocked in me.”
The band is gearing up for what could be the biggest performance ever, as they appear in the parade and halftime show at the Sugar Bowl football game in New Orleans on December 31st.
“So when you’re in the back of a big school in California, Texas, and you’re banging your butt too, they can see me even if I’m brown, black. Just like everybody else.” I think I can play 2019 and that’s the key to my confidence,” Milton said.
But to reach the Superdome, you need money.
“We are still $50,000 short, $80,000 for the room alone, because the Sugar Bowl keeps all the bands staying in the same place for insurance purposes and security,” Milton said. rice field.
But he hopes it’s a challenge he can overcome. Because playing with the Big Easy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for kids.And we want them to feel confident about this opportunity.
“It is not the United States that they are inferior because of their home situation or their country of origin. rice field.
If you’d like to help your band get to the Sugar Bowl, donate to Hugh Cummings High School and get more information about the school. website.
