Tears of Patriotic Joy — and Pride — as Middle School Band Performs in Washington, D.C.

Take the suburban mom out of the suburbs for a few days, and she quickly remembers her past life in the city. She slips back into the non-suburban persona she embodied 14 years ago, revives her public transportation savvy and switches to "automatic" mode in seeking out off-main attractions, shopping and unique, affordable ethnic dining. She navigates up to 16 miles of city sidewalk on foot per day and — when necessary — can still hail a taxi in seconds with a wave and a holler.

But none of this can compare to the amazement I felt watching my son perform patriotic music with the band, in orchestral form, beneath the steps of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., this week.

Thanks to my son’s membership in two bands at school, I was able to do all of the above — and more — this week. The events concluded a year of planning beginning when Hart's director of instrumental music, Dennis Aquilina, or “Mr. A,” announced that the band was invited to the nation's capitol.

More than 100 Hart students and band members in seventh and eighth grades were so motivated, and had practiced so long and hard for their performances, that they – with support from their classroom teachers – found extra hours this month to complete their required homework and class work before the trip.

The only frustration for our family, however, was that we weren’t able to justify a four-day vacation across the country for all five members of our family – during a school week. So when I bid farewell to my husband and daughters for the week, I joked that they should enjoy the peace and quiet during their break from the noisiest members of the family. They quickly agreed, and have enjoyed a fun daddy-daughter week.

Gloria Jameson, whose son plays the tuba in Hart’s symphonic band, teamed up with me in Washington, D.C. We were among a handful of parents attending but not chaperoning. With all the concerts on our agenda, we also managed to sneak in a few extra attractions. Gloria patiently allowed me to lead (drag?) her through D.C. on the city's Metro system, which puts BART to shame in both cost and convenience. We ate Ethiopian food, explored architectural gems and squeezed in some bargain shopping when time permitted. I pretended I was the person I was when I lived just outside D.C. for five summers, 1986-1990.

Gloria's comment during the transit ride to the Jefferson Memorial was, "I feel so young!"

The first concert took place at The Fairfax, a continuing care retirement community in Northern Virginia serving retired officers and their spouses from the U.S. Uniformed Services, CIA, FBI, Foreign Service and other Federal Agencies. The sprawling, 60-acre community sits on the periphery of Fort Belvoir, a United States Army Installation.

“We know you ladies and gentlemen have sacrificed a lot for our country and we’re thrilled to be able to play for you all,” Mr. A told the audience of about 100 residents filling the room where Hart’s jazz band performed a 45-minute set including a mix of classical jazz, R&B and other popular tunes.

“I want to thank you all for staying up late for us,” Mr. A told the filled room upon the 8:15 p.m. conclusion of the jazz set. The crowd erupted into laughter.

Bolstered by their good humor, Mr. A continued. “Listen, I’m ready to party… And, hey, if you’re not doing nuttin’ tomorrow, we’re performing at 2 p.m. at the Jefferson Memorial.”

That concert, he explained, would feature the Hart orchestral ensemble playing several pieces, many of them patriotic in nature.

In a quiet moment with his band after the performance at the Fairfax, Mr. A told the musicians, “We made people feel good, and I know they’re going to talk about this for a long time. Music connects people. I want you to understand how important it is what you did.”

The middle schoolers replied with nodded heads and soft smiles.

Thursday, following several hours of touring historic sites around Washington, D.C., the band set up on the walkway below the steps of the Jefferson Memorial, with the reflection pools and the Washington Monument creating an idyllic backdrop. Crowds of up to 200 people at a time came and went, many sitting to marvel at the music.

One group, the Regan family of New York City, recognized the piece, "Shenandoah" by Frank Ticheli, as soon as it began.

"I play that piece on the piano," said Ross Regan, a father of three traveling with his wife and sons to Washington, D.C., on spring break. "But they (the band) sound much better!"

Later, another visitor from Arlington, Virginia, Benedette Savino, said "I'm glad I stayed for the whole show! It was worth it!"

The Hart band performs today at Mount Vernon, following tours of the estate. After that concert, they'll head to the Smithsonian museums. Prior to their return home on Saturday, they will pay homage to fallen soldiers by participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

And the parents of these musicians, whether in Pleasanton or Washington, D.C., are overflowing with pride and joy.

Cameron Sullivan is the author of the blog, Candid Cameron, where this weekend she'll post various tales of her trip to Washington, D.C. to see the Hart Middle School band.

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