Ballou Band Honored at White House|ABC 7 News

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Ballou Band Honored at White House

posted 5:22 am Fri October 12, 2007 - Washington

tags: ballou • band • white • house

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The marching band from D.C.'s Ballou High School was honored at the White House on Thursday.

The team visited the executive mansion Thursday, received a tribute from first lady Laura Bush and saw a private screening of a documentary about the struggles of the Southeast Washington school's musicians as they worked for national success. "Ballou: A Documentary" chronicles the efforts of director Darrell Watson and several volunteers who try to teach their students lessons through music and provide them with support, discipline and encouragement, despite adversity. The first lady praised Watson for his outstanding work with youths.

"Mr. Watson loves his job, and he does it well," she said. "He also loves the young people in his band, and it shows. He's a caring adult that's made a difference in each of your lives."

Although the documentary has not been shown publicly, it has received praise through private screenings and generated notable publicity.

Last week, Watson and several students appeared on the "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" while the 90-member Majestic Marching Knights performed via satellite from the school's gymnasium.

Mayor Adrian Fenty and Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee also attended the White House honors.

Latest Comment on Ballou Band Honored at White House

Eboy

7:02 pm on 10/11/07

Congratulations Ballou High. If you work hard and believe in yourself, you can do almost anything.

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