The McKinley Band played in the Hawaii Kai Holiday Parade which started at 9:00 a.m. and ended at  1:00 p.m. on Nov. 30. The route began at Kamiloiki Park and ended at Koko Marina Shopping Center.

It is a parade that is annually coordinated by the Lions Club of Honolulu. According to http://www.honolululions.org/about/, it is an organization that has a mission “to develop an environment of fellowship, mutual trust, and understanding through which the Lions of District 50 Hawaii can advance the humanitarian purposes of Lions Clubs International and to develop leaders who will lead us toward the attainment of our goals.”

According to KHON2, “there were over 1,000 marchers, 25 vehicles, and 3 bands.”

Gene Yamashita, a freshman trumpet player, is a part of McKinley’s marching band. He said he enjoys being a member because it allows him to play his instrument and is a way to connect with other people.

“I enjoy [being in the] marching band because it is another way I get to play my instrument and talk to my friends,” he said.

Yamashita said he attends after-school rehearsals to refine the skills of a marching band member.

“Rehearsals are there for us to run through marching and music,” he said. “The band rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from around 3:15-4:45 p.m.”

Yamashita said performing in parades makes him feel proud, but it’s also stressful.

“[I feel excited and stressed because] I want to perform [the parades] but I don’t want to mess up,” he said.

Yamashita said he gained skills from being a part of a marching band that he can use to become a better person.

“Marching band has taught me how to become a better musician and to be more disciplined,” he said.