Valley students show support for Florida school shooting victims

KINGSBURG, Calif. (KFSN) -- Two of the victims killed last week at the high school in Florida were members of the marching band. Months before the murders, the high school concert band in Kingsburg learned they will be rehearsing with Stoneman Douglas' students at a music festival in New York City next week.

Once Kingsburg high students heard about the massacre they say it felt surreal but they wasted no time in making sure the band they have been paired to perform with knows they're standing with them.

Six high schools from around the country are gearing up to attend the New York Wind Band Festival in March and each school's band will get the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall.

However, the meaning behind the music changed for Kingsburg high's concert band after news broke of the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida just last week.

It was the school Kingsburg high was paired to rehearse in New York City since last November. And after circumstances took a tragic turn, Kingsburg is showing those students their support

They took a picture with a poster they created that reads, Kingsburg stands with Stoneman Douglas, with the hashtag, banded together. They're also creating these shirts to wear at the festival -- plus making more for Stoneman students

Kingsburg high's concert band hopes the music can help heal some wounds for their fellow Florida band members. Even from thousands of miles away, the Kingsburg connection is strong.

Kingsburg's band students leave next Saturday for New York City and they'll also be wearing ribbons with Stoneman's school colors during their performance at Carnegie Hall.