For the first time ever, Fresno Christian band and color guard travel to Oahu, Hawaii to play at Pearl Harbor for the 78th anniversary, Nov. 22.

Twenty-three high school and junior high students, performed aboard the USS Missouri providing patriotic music to visitors who were touring the floating museum. Preparations for this excursion began two years earlier with informational meetings and fundraising lead by band teacher Leslie Banister.

While in Hawaii band students gained other opportunities to perform including the Ala Moana Shopping center and during a clinic at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Students learned from the university’s Director of Bands, Jeff Bachman who gave them various tips on how to improve their playing. A highlight was the city-wide scavenger hunt in different teams that took them all over the city as they raced for a prize.

This trip wasn’t only about hard work but also a chance for students to enjoy the tropical island. After their many performances, they headed to Hanauma bay for snorkeling and climbing Diamond Head mountain. They also attended a luau at the polynesian cultural center where they watched fire-twirling, hula and listened to polynesian music .

For more Feather photos, visit media, photos 2019-20.

The slideshow below shows photos of the band and color guard at Hawaii

Gallery • 6 Photos