Manning band prepares to march
Students in awe as inauguration nears
By Yvonne Wenger
WASHINGTON — The gravity of the responsibility awaiting Manning High School's Golden Pride Marching Band began to sink in Monday, as band members and chaperones prepared for the inauguration.
About 85 students from the small, rural and mostly black city have traveled to the nation's capital to play for Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony today. For many, it was their first time in the District of Columbia.
The Post and Courier
Manning High School's Golden Pride Marching Band explored Washington on Monday and ran into Dave Chappelle (far left).
"It's unbelievable," Andrew Hammett, an 18-year-old senior and the band's drum major, said as he stood on the steps of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Moments earlier the students had encircled comedian Dave Chappelle and snapped as many pictures as they could before he was shooed into a waiting vehicle.
The band members arrived Sunday night at their hotel in Richmond, Va., which is two hours from the capital. Ray Francis, band director, said they traveled by bus for six hours and stopped at Virginia State University to practice their songs in the new brisk environment.
"We need to be the flagship of South Carolina," he said.
To help relax the band and make sure the performance today goes smoothly, Francis said they gave it a dry run Monday. They must report to the Pentagon at 9:30 this morning to go through security and be ready to march down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Cierra Hodges, a 17-year-old senior who plays the saxophone, said she is nervous about her fingers hitting the right keys during her most important performance.
"It's an unreal situation for all of us," Hodges said.
The band will be roughly in the middle of the parade lineup and will play, "The Final Countdown," "Carolina in the Morning" and "Stand by Me."
Robert Bowman of Manning, who volunteered for Obama's campaign and came along for the trip, said the president-elect was keeping a promise he made to the city when he campaigned there in the fall of 2007. Obama said he would invite the band to Washington one day if the city helped make him president, Bowman said.
"This is something that's going to be written down in the history books," Bowman said.
Manning is the capital seat for Clarendon County, the place that helped establish the Brown v. Board of Education court battle, which led to the desegregation of public schools.
Today will be the fourth time the band has played for Obama. The first was during the campaign stop in 2007, the second when Oprah Winfrey stumped for Obama at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia and the third when Obama invited the band back to Columbia the night he won the South Carolina primary in January 2008.
Band members faced another hurdle after receiving the invitation Dec. 5. They had to come up with at least $40,000 to pay for the trip, which they were able to raise through donations.
Francis said the outpouring felt like "getting a big hug."
Tyrice Murray, a 16-year-old sophomore percussionist, said his parents, Terresa and Nathaniel Murray, did not believe him when he told them that the band would be performing at the inauguration. They had to compete against bands across South Carolina, including some college-level bands, for the spot.
"I was ecstatic that someone from the small town of Manning would have an opportunity like this," Murray said.
Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.
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eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
I'm sure they will do fine.
This will be an event that these children will not soon forget.
January 20, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Yes, my wife and I accompanied my young daughter's girl scout group on a trip to DC. My daughter still talks about it fondly. These young people will always have something good to remember.
January 20, 2009 at 9:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
What an awesome story they will have to tell to their future kids/grandkids! I'm sure they will do a great job! I still think it was kinda messed up how it went down. O'Bamas camp had to know this band wasn't made up of wealthy kids with lots of resources. Couldnt they have helped a little? But I am very happy they got to go.
January 20, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
Congratulations to the band. Hope they had long underwear in that budget. If not, they're young.
January 20, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
You are right johnnyholmes. People bore me a new a hole on a previous article because I was shocked at the cost. If O'Bama invited them and wanted them there - he shouldve helped, especially knowing their circumstance.
January 20, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
You know, sometimes, just sometimes, an experience like this can be quite an education. I honestly think that my college experience of being around and meeting people "from off" was just as important as what I learned in the classroom. Hopefully, some of our young people can get some hope and motivation from this.
January 20, 2009 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
I guess a better way of saying this might be like this. When I think back on what has helped to mold me and make me what I am today, I think of the persons and the events rather than the specific classes attended in my education.
January 20, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
JH and CFnBeans what bitter folks.
What an opportunity, I hope they keep those memories and pass them on.
January 20, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
preachlove (anonymous) says...
jholmes, cfnbeans - They are representing South Carolina; they have been allowed to show our state in the festivities - how many other small towns can say that?
You racists will never get over yourselves; you always have to find a negative in everything blacks do, even when it's something good.
Congratulations to my fellow South Carolinians!
January 20, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
n4dhs (anonymous) says...
how the hell does a "suggestion" of how the $ should be spent mean being racist? god what the hell is WRONG with you idiots???? - if this had been a republican trying this he would be pilloried but because this is king obama its ok - has this country finally lost its mind???? - it must have - and honey call me racist all you want - i could care less - i have a dream - where one can make an HONEST opinion of his majesty and NOT be called a racist for doing so - how dare you!!!!
January 20, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
n4dhs (anonymous) says...
oh yea and the market loves him! - down nearly 200 points! -isnt this the day that its all supposed to turn around???!!!
January 20, 2009 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Congratulations to the band on raising the money and taking part in such a huge historical event for this country. I know that it is a day they will all remember forever.
January 20, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
I posted the following:
" What an awesome story they will have to tell to their future kids/grandkids! I'm sure they will do a great job! I still think it was kinda messed up how it went down. O'Bamas camp had to know this band wasn't made up of wealthy kids with lots of resources. Couldnt they have helped a little? But I am very happy they got to go." AND I POSTED:"You are right johnnyholmes. People bore me a new a hole on a previous article because I was shocked at the cost. If O'Bama invited them and wanted them there - he shouldve helped, especially knowing their circumstance."
OK IDIOTS- EXPLAIN HOW IN HELL IS THAT RACIST??!! READ YOU FREAKN IDIOTS!!!
January 20, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjrichardson9 (anonymous) says...
I often read the comments on these articles, against my better judgement, just to see how long it takes before the discussion degenerates into vitriolic mudslinging. I am always pleasantly surprised when it doesn't happen, but I am rarely pleasantly surprised.
What those of you who are being called racist might want to consider is that the persons who call you racist might actually mean to say that you are cynical and short-sighted and in many instances, mean. Many have found these same qualities in persons who show themselves to be racist. Many have found that the persons who raise negative aspects of what is intended to be a positive story do so as a prelude to an implication that the subjects of the story, if they happen to be black, are in some way deficient, less-than, "other", or un-American.
I won't say you're racist, but I will call you on your cynicism at a time when we ought to double down on finding innovative ways to address the issues that confront our communities. Certainly, it might have been a hardship for these students to travel to the inauguration, but why not see it as an investment in something that improves attitudes and broadens world views and inspires the students to work harder and reach farther to be better people. Considering this, it was a good thing that they were at the inauguration, and not reading this discussion string.
January 20, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
"Posted by wjrichardson9 on January 20, 2009 at 2:28 p.m."
Standing ovation..........
January 20, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
CFB, I personally know you not to be a racist, so I wouldn't worry about being called one if I were you...:-)!
January 20, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
"but why not see it as an investment in something that improves attitudes and broadens world views and inspires the students to work harder and reach farther to be better people."
Why not indeed?
January 20, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
cool and johnny, I also see nothing racist in a legitimate question about how to spend the money. We need to do more of that with the public treasury. Private citizens should be on their own. However, in this one case, I think it is money well spent.
January 20, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Thank you Lovely! I think when people "abuse" the race card it's damaging. If you mean cynical, say cynical or stick in the mud, quit throwing the race card. It takes away from legitimate claims of racism. There are unfortunately many racist idiots out there. I was shocked to see how someone could even remotely take my posts as being racist. I wanted O'Bama to help foot the bill for them to go! I was saddened by the pressure on these kids to raise a huge amount of money or miss out on a piece of history. It's a shame that in our society it costs a small fortune to witness history. They had $100,000 hotel packages for goodness sakes.
January 20, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
aptlytitled (anonymous) says...
Well said wjrichardson. I sometimes cringe when people are upset and lash out with the wrong words (like racist). They don't quite have the vocabulary to express what they see and read.
What Johnny said was NOT racist, but it was, and usually is somewhat mean-spirited and cynical about a totally positive and transformative experience.
January 20, 2009 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
In a way, raising this $$ taught the students to strive for a goal in mind and work hard to achieve it. Their hard work paid off and they are probably playing as I write this. Good job.
They were not handed this and they earned it. I hope the trip goes well.
January 20, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
aptlytitled: I would have to disagree with your assessment of johnnyholmes. He often post comments that denigrate people of color and he seems to enjoy inserting not-so-veiled references to Africa and animals when referring to Blacks.
I do believe that he considers himself and others like him inherently superior to Blacks and that in of itself is the true definition of racism.
There are many others who are blinded by their prejudices and bigotry but may not necessarily be racists.
Also, I too find it disingenuous to attack someone for having legitimate questions about ANY subject matter. Especially using race as the foundation of an argument.
However Coolbeans and others are not seeing the forests for the trees. Their open and honest dislike if not hatred for President Obama colors their perception of what should be an uplifting and positive article about disadvantaged children who were invited to an once-in-a-lifetime event.
I'm curious. How many of these negative posters asked Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Bush Sr., Bush Jr. to pay out of pocket the costs associated with sending High School Marching Bands to their inaugurations?
These kids fundraised and received funds from benefactors in order to attend this function.
The only resource expended by you people were your time reading the various articles regarding Manning High School Marching Band's desire to go to this particular inauguration.
The difference being what?
Different political party?
Hatred of President Obama?
That Manning is a Title I (poor) school?
Because you all know that the High Schools invited to the above mentioned inaugurations were from affluent areas, right?
I'm so tired of the negativity and the stupidity I rail against on this site. I'm so over it. I'm out!
January 20, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Of course CFB, JH couldn't comprehend that the money was raised and didn't come out of the public fund. Always looking to belittle, then they get all sensitive about being called racists. Boo hoo. Big tough guys with poor reading comp or they just are bigots or both.
They abuse the race card and cry when they are called on it. Boo hoo, big tough guys.
The kids raised the money, mental midgets, not from public funds which was the crux of your latest racist rant. Get over it.
January 20, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
n4dhs (anonymous) says...
markets down over 300! - so much for his majesty.....and after 8 years of YOU tearing down Bush from day 1 - i intend to disparage, disrespect, insult, not trust and generally be mean to this one - go ahead and call me whatever YOU want - you know its true!
January 20, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CNN_10 (anonymous) says...
What does the students at Manning H.S. have to do with free or reduced lunch??? Those students were raising money to go to Washington D.C. You know the more i see the individuals on here just do not get it because most of the remarks sound really stupid and dumb. Maybe the Post and Courier need to get rid of these ass---- on here and maybe we will have better conversations on here.
January 20, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
UrGatorbait- You obviously have issues. Whats wrong with wanting President O'Bama trying to help the less fortunate? I will say very honestly no matter who was getting elected, I think it's jacked up to look at less fortunate folks, invite them to an event that costs an arm and a leg and offer no help at all. As I stated in my first post(and everyone seemed to ignore)"What an awesome story they will have to tell to their future kids/grandkids! I'm sure they will do a great job!" Wow. You're so right Gatorjuice- I'm the racist with reading comprehension issues.
January 20, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Posted by n4dhs on January 20, 2009 at 4:28 p.m.
"markets down over 300! - so much for his majesty"
Wow dude, you are very jaded and StOopIt!
January 20, 2009 at 6:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
preachlove (anonymous) says...
It always makes me laugh to hear RACISTS constrantly try to defend themselves as not being a RACISTS. RACISTS say ignorant things and don't even realize sometimes what they are saying. Then, they are those RACISTS who know exactly what they're saying and try their little tricks to tactfully insult other races. When they are are called out on it - they're constantly saying the other indivudal is playing the race card.
Don't make stupid, unintelligent, uninformed, one-way, denigrating, insulting and hateful statements and you wouldn't be called a RACIST.
It is what is, RACISTS. Peace
January 20, 2009 at 7:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Yeah as much as I dislike O'Bama, I'm not gonna blame him for every day the sun isnt shining. It just gets silly.
January 20, 2009 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Cute name CFB, when your outta ammo, name calling always seems to work as a default.
I have issues CFB?, hardly, you can't keep your thoughts in focus beyond your hatred for Ob. The band had benefactors and raised the money. It's called pulling yourself up for once. Maybe if they see it can be done for this instance it can be done for other times no? It gives those that aren't fortunate and worldly; a chance to be inspired beyond the crap they live in. Is thinking beyond your SC educational abilities or is reading comp or a combo of both?. Or do you just like to see people stay down to make yourself feel all gushy inside after pointing your finger and taunting them?
Nice try at the first post immediately followed up with the patent comment related to race in a negative manner. What a tool.
January 20, 2009 at 7:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Please explain why it would be so bad if someone helped these kids raise money ? Also tell me how my posts even remotely implied I wanted the kids to "stay down"? How did I taunt them? Answer the questions.
January 20, 2009 at 7:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
What would have been awesome is if one of those mega rich Hollyweird Obama fans who coughed up $50,000 so they could be in the VIP area away from the commoners had been alerted to the need of these children and had seen fit to offer to pay their expenses.
One real positive aspect of this aside from them getting to go is learning at a young age that if you want something bad enough and put forth the effort it is attainable.
January 20, 2009 at 9:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
preachlove (anonymous) says...
Now Yird, I must say, I agree with you. Those Hollywood residents could easily have donated that very small amount of money to assist the kids. Amen.
January 20, 2009 at 9:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Ok so yird suggests it and it's fine- I suggest it and I'm a racist. LMAO
January 21, 2009 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Where was the outrage when other Presidents invited certain groups to participate in their inaugural parades?
Where was the righteous indignation?
For those who vilified President Obama for not paying for this school to attend his inaugural parade, again I ask, did you feel so inclined with President Bush? President Bush Sr., President Reagan?
Hmmm:
Wow those crickets are chirping loudly!!!
January 21, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Honestly, I never read of a story of a republican doing the same thing in our state. If I did I would want them to help too. I would just hate to see kids get so excited about such a big deal and then have their dreams crushed. From what I read, they were almost unable to go. I don't disagree with the kids working hard and raising money- that teaches good values and work ethic. I just still stand by the fact that it couldve turned out quite cruel. Maybe I should run around inviting less fortunate people on my next vacation- only catch- they have to pay. Never mind. Too many closed minds on here. I give up.
January 21, 2009 at 9:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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