Waltrip High School Band To Make Houston Proud Once More

HOUSTON - June 26, 2015 - PRLog -- The Waltrip RamBand has been invited to perform in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. July 4th. Director of Bands Jesse Espinosa was the latest guest on radio broadcast and pod cast, Make It Happen With David Lorms.

Espinosa met his wife while they were both teenagers and members of Waltrip High School Band. He was a trumpet playing drum major. Then Band Director Charlie Stevens became Espinosa's life-long mentor and friend. Espinosa's RamBand has received yet another great honor and they need our help to receive it.

It's an expensive undertaking taking almost around 200 people, uniforms and instruments to the Northeast, and the band and their families have been busy raising funds. They still need about $8,000 more to pay for lodging, meals and transportation for band members, chaperones and staff.

"The band members and our school are excited about representing Houston in the parade. Mr. Mitchell, our new principal, has supported us all the way and will be marching the parade route with us," Espinosa says. "We have already raised a lot of money, mostly from individuals." One corporate donation, 200 T-shirts with the band's motto and $2,000 came from Memorial Hermann.

"While we're there we'll see the sights and play at the World War II Memorial," Espinosa added. "It will be a real education for the kids, opening up a world they might not have the chance to see otherwise. A trip like this, just like being a band member, relies on them being responsible for themselves and respectful of others andjust enjoying the camaraderie of their band-mates. It's going to be great."

Lorms asked, "If you should raise the more than the funds needed, what will happen with the excess money?" Espinosa assured him that when that happens, the money will be used to repair instruments, uniforms and fund other band needs.

The band has received many great honors including being named the Best Band at the Alcorn State Jazz Festival, they played at one of President Obama's inaugurations and in the 60s were the last band to play "Hail to the Chief" to President Kennedy.  "Why is the RamBand regarded so well?" Lorms asked. Espinosa answered with, "As I remind the kids, the band is bigger than any one of us, which includes our two other directors, Mr. Loredo and Mr. Mosley. We are involved in our community and play for many area and Houston events. We even play for my Alma Mater, Garden Oaks Elementary, and their annual pancake breakfast. We are so proud that this Band has produced a lot of music educators. We work hard and are looking forward to a bit of playing hard in July."

In talking about the importance of having a band in school, Espinosa commented, "Every school kid wants to be accepted and belong somewhere. The first day of RamBand practice, they walk into a place with 180 new friends. Our drum majors' first job is student leadership and instigating positive peer pressure. They coach them in marching, playing and fitting in with the group. In band you learn respect for others and taking responsibility for your actions. You can't hide behind a text message here!"

Lorms spoke about how important the Fine Arts are for public schools and it's usually where funds are cut first. He asked what a citizen can do to influence schools in keeping fine arts within their walls. "Let people know. If you're a parent, let your principal and school board know. Funds come from higher up, so let your state and federal elected officials know how you feel. There is strength in numbers. It's more than just performing at football games, singing a Christmas concert and showing art at the Livestock Show" Espinosa offered.

Lorms turned the conversation to Espinosa himself. "I was in the Waltrip band and then joined the military upon graduation. I played in the Army Band and that was great. All Band All The Time." When he left the Army he volunteered tutoring and other help at Waltrip. He directed the Lamar High School band for a year, and then was called to direct under his mentor, Charlie Stevens, at Waltrip.

"I married Selena, my high school sweetheart, and we have two musical kids. Along the way I finished my masters and really like being Director of Bands. When we're not at school Selena and I go out to hear the Houston Symphony, we love Salsa and always enjoy Mariachi Bands at weddings. I especially like to hear and play jazz --- because it's so free and creative."

When asked about the importance of college to his students, Espinosa proudly says, "100% of our band members expect to go to college! These kids have made a 4 year commitment to this band and consider it an investment worth continuing."  He has connections with lots of people in different Texas colleges and universities helps them with introductions, including one that went on right after the interview!

"Back to our current mission," Espinosa commented, "every fund raising performance is one more chance for us to see these kids expressing themselves, exercising their talents, just being great teenagers. One of my proudest moments was when someone at a restaurant appearance asked 'What college band is this?'"

What's next for the RamBand? "A big break!" laughs Espinosa. "But it all begins again in August. No HISD school has ever made it all the way to State band competition. We will be the first! These kids are willing to do whatever it takes to be successful." Speaking of successful band members, Esmeralda Sandoval, a Waltrip Junior, made All State Band this year. "I'm especially happy Esmeralda made it her junior year, because she will be back as an even stronger leader for the band next year as a senior," Espinosa beamed.

How you can help the RamBand:

donate online: http://www.gofundme.com/waltripramband2015 or
by mail: Waltrip High School RamBand, 1900 W/ 34th St., Houston 77018.

Friday, June 26
Shipley Doughnuts on Ella
9:00pm to midnight
100% of proceeds go to the band

Saturday, June 27
The Community of Faith Church
1024 Pinemont Drive, Houston
5:00pm Free Concert (the hat will be passed)

After the interview, it was announced that HISD's Board voted to give Waltrip's Band the additional funds needed, $100,000, to add to the $70,000 raised, so the Band can travel and participate in America's National Independence Day Parade on July 4th.

David Lorms hosts Make It Happen With David Lorms, an internet radio show on http://www.KBREEZESports.com live every Wednesday at noon about entrepreneurs, business owners, and people who have had success in their lives, their challenges and failures turned into success, and advice to better their lives and careers. Past episodes are available by pod cast on http://www.spreaker.com/user/7420120 or on Lorms's web site  http://www.lormsinsuranceservices.com and on iHeartRadio.

He is also an Award Winning Insurance Expert, Best-Selling Author having won numerous media awards for his shared industry knowledge. He's been featured in Forbes Magazine and USA Today and various other radio talk and TV shows.