Shaw High Best Band in the Land
July 3rd, 2008
Shaw High School marching band director Donshon Wilson and band members talked about their trip to China. From left, Erica Walker, Wilson, Kamaria Eiland and Cierria Whitworth. Wilson said, "he was overwhelmed with.
EAST CLEVELAND-- So many times during his 11-day China trip with the Shaw High School marching band, Donshon Wilson felt like he easily could have cried.
He saw the look of awe in the band members' eyes as they toured the ancient Terra Cotta warrior statues, and the excitement on the faces of spectators as they watched the band from the East Cleveland school perform at the Great Wall of China. And he thought of all the friends and strangers back home who made the trip possible.
But there was no time to cry. He was too busy guiding his young musicians on their first trip abroad.
"That was always one of my dreams and goals (to go to China) and it happened," said Wilson, as he sat in the high school band room Thursday with several band members.
Wilson and the 52 students returned from China late Monday night after the tour, which included three performances and lots of sightseeing and practices. Several months ago the band's trip was in jeopardy because of money, but residents and businesses stepped up -- to the tune of more than $500,000 -- to make it happen.
The band was one of five U.S. high schools invited to participate in the International Marching Band Salute to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Mighty Cardinal Marching Band is a show-style band, with choreographic movements designed for the field. In China, stage bands are more common.
But stares quickly turned to "Shaw, Shaw, Shaw" chants as the band paraded through the streets. The Chinese snapped photographs, often nudging a relative or friend to stand next to band members for the picture.
"I felt like a celebrity," said 15-year-old Kamaria Eiland, one of the band's flag girls.
Added 15-year-old Cierra Whitworth, "I felt proud of my country."
During a performance in the city of Xi'an, the crowd followed the band to the bus and cheered for more songs. The band obliged.
Along with being treated like stars, band members said the food also took some getting used to. Senior Erica Walker said she needed "courage" to try some of the dishes, especially eggplant. "It looked like slugs on a plate," said 16-year-old Erica, who is band president.
Food from McDonald's and KFC helped fill the gap.
Come Monday, band members will put aside photographs and China conversations and begin band camp at the high school.
"We're a month behind because of China," Wilson said.
About 50 new students, almost all of whom have never played an instrument, want to join the band. It's the largest incoming group and while the other band members are excited the band is so popular, they say membership comes with a price.
"We just have to be on our 'A' game," Kamaria said. "People are going to be watching us."
And Wilson said the band has a new chant to learn. "Best band in the land" is so pre-China. Now it's "Best band in the world."
Memorial Day Parade
The Annual Memorial Day Parade will be May 26th 2008 at 10:00am. Line-up is at 9:00 am at the, Adult Training Center on Euclid ave. (Emily and Euclid) at Popeyes. We will be going down Euclid Ave toward Noble and end at the First Presbyterian Church at 16200 Euclid ave. After the parade we will meet at Forest hill Park where we will have some refreshments (pop, hot dogs). We encourage the community to BYOP(bring your own picnic)."Good Luck and Well Wishes" to The Mighty Shaw High Marching Band.
The Greatest High School band in the land
Shaw Band in Action
|
OFTEN IMITATED! NEVER DUPLICATED! |
Geographic:
East Cleveland is located at 41°31'54" North, 81°34'55" West.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.1 km² (3.1 mi²). 8.1 km² (3.1 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
City Hall
14340 Euclid Avenue
East Cleveland, Ohio 44112
Phone: (216) 681-5020
| Mayor's Office |
681-2208 |
| |
| DEPARTMENTS |
| Domestic Violence |
249-1522 |
| Building Department |
681-2415 |
| Civil Service Commission |
681-2264 |
| Community Development |
681-2398 |
| Council |
681-2310 |
| Electrical |
681-2428 |
| Financial Department |
681-2317 |
| Fire Department (Emergency) |
911
541-1212 |
| (Non-Emergency) |
681-2410 |
| (Prevention) |
681-2414 |
| Helen S. Brown Senior Citizen Center..16100 Euclid |
761-8410 |
| Housing Department |
681-2415 |
| Law Department |
681-2169 |
| Prosecutor |
681-2166 |
| Parking Tickets Bureau |
681-2184 |
| Parks & Recreation |
851-1180 |
| Human Resources Department |
681-2267 |
| Police...(Emergency) |
911 |
| Police (Non-Emergency |
451-1234 |
| Service Department.. 1610 Eddy Rd |
681-2419 |
| Internet Technologies |
681-2643 |
| Tax Department |
681-2013 |
| Water Department |
681-2200 |
Welcome | Mayor | Departments | Council | Municipal Court | Contact Us | Webmaster
Copyright © 2008 City of East Cleveland, Ohio. All Rights Reserved. |
