Local high school band receives large donation ahead of Rome performance

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – Exciting news for the local high school band playing in Rome for New Years 2025.

Heritage High School’s marching band received a large donation from the Coalition of Concerned Clergy.

The organization donated $50,000 towards the band’s upcoming trip to Rome’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival.

President Rev. Dr. Tremayne Johnson and other members of the Coalition presented the ceremonial check to Band Director Jemere Brown at the Newport News School Board meeting on June 18, 2024.

“The Coalition of Concerned Clergy heard about the student’s excitement about the trip but was made aware that funds were short and time was of the essence,” Johnson said in a statement. “Together with partnering Churches, Pastors, and organizations, the COCC raised $50,000 to help send these well-deserving students on the trip of a lifetime.”

According to a press release from Newport News Public Schools in Nov. 2023, Brown said the band is preparing for the performance by practicing music and marching five days a week.

The band will perform during the parade on Jan. 1, 2025. Thousands of performers will come together from across the world to perform to about 250,000 people in-person. The event will also be live-streamed worldwide.

Click here to watch the full school board meeting.

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