Mariposa County High is one of just 36 out of more than 20 thousand nationwide to be named a Grammy Signature School for its outstanding music program.
Joey Curti: "That was unbelievable, honestly, that's a big honor."
The students say what sets them apart is how they play with passion in honor of the man who directs, and inspires them.
Juliana Bodfish: "He is the one who yanks the potential out of us and brings it to the surface."
Dr. Phillip Smith was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last year and told he might not survive. But he says working with the Mariposa Grizzly Band gave him a reason to fight. Several of the students even visited him at the hospital in San Francisco.
Dr. Phillip Smith: "This is what kept me alive. This is my love right here. This is the best job that I've ever had, and I have played for presidents, kings, princes and everything in between."
And now the Vietnam Veteran is preparing to lead these troops to the 92nd Annual Veterans Day Parade in New York City. The band was the only one from California chosen for the honor, which will also commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.
Joey Curti: "It's pretty exciting. It's a really big deal for our community."
But paying for the trip won't be easy. The band had its funding cut and relies on donations for everything from instruments to uniforms. Now they're trying to raise enough money so they can make beautiful music in the big apple.
The band will have a booth set up at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival this weekend to help with fundraising efforts for the trip to New York.
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DONATION INFORMATION
The Mariposa County High School band is asking for help paying for their trip to New York City this November to perform at the 92nd annual Veterans Day Parade.
You can make tax-deductible donations through the Mariposa County Grizzly Band Boosters P.O. Box 5008, PMB 340 Mariposa, CA 95338 (209) 966-1230
MCHS_Band_Boosters@sti.net
Tax ID # 27-3420375
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