Oklahoma’s All Star Centennial Band was created by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to provide aspiring young high school musicians with an opportunity to not only serve as musical ambassadors for the State of Oklahoma, as it celebrates its Centennial in 2007, but to also experience a musical educational experience of the highest standard.

The Road to Pasadena

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Friday, January 12, 2007

(as appeared in The Oklahoman)

State's greatest resource

By Charles Jones II

On New Year's Day, as Oklahoma entered its first day in a new century as a great state, something remarkable occurred. It was something subtle, yet empowering, for it impacted the future of the state.

I have always felt that Oklahoma's greatest natural resource is its children. Raising, nurturing and providing Oklahoma's young people with the skills necessary to be successful, happy and productive citizens is a paramount goal for which each citizen in the state should strive.

For the past two years, it has been my responsibility to produce Oklahoma's 150-member All*Star Centennial Band. Throughout the process, I felt it would be vitally important that we create a culture where young, aspiring Oklahoma musicians could grasp the power of music and the impact it holds in their lives and in the lives of others.

Because of the logistics involved in selecting kids from across the state, finding times to meet and rehearse were arduous at best. The entire group had only met to rehearse the music on three occasions. Once in Pasadena, Calif., they diligently rehearsed six hours every day. And while most Oklahomans were sleeping after reveling in the new year, this band of souls rehearsed on new year's morning from 2 to 5:30 a.m. in 30-degree weather on famed Orange Grove Boulevard.

After most of the band had been awake for more than 24 hours, they gave a tremendous performance in the opening ceremonies of the Rose Parade, making all Oklahomans proud. But no time to enjoy the moment. It was now off on a six-mile march down Colorado Boulevard. Despite being emotionally and physically exhausted, it was a true testament to the desire of every one of the kids not let the citizens of Oklahoma down.

At the end, they had worked hard toward a goal, soared new heights and in the pressure of the moment realized that within each of them lies unlimited possibilities. They reached that moment of Aha!, an understanding that when goals are set, a commitment is in place and responsibilities are accepted, any task is within their grasp.

When the state legislators funded Oklahoma's All*Star Centennial Band, they created something they had never imagined — a culture where young, aspiring musicians from their home state, facing new frontiers and new challenges, learned to succeed in a grand way and to discover the possibilities within themselves. I imagine in many ways not that different than the pioneers, 100 years ago, who strived to make this land a state.

For the All*Star Centennial Band, its journey is just beginning. When you come across the band performing in the coming year, celebrating the state's centennial, please let its members know how proud you are of their accomplishments. And take comfort in knowing that you contributed in a magnificent way to empower the lives of Oklahoma's greatest natural resource.

Jones is a native Oklahoman living in southern California. He is the producer of the Oklahoma All*Star Centennial band and the Tournament of Roses Opening Ceremonies.

VISIT THE FORUM AND CATCH PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE CENTENNIAL BAND IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

The Oklahoma Centennial Band is produced in part by Fresh Ideas Entertainment.

Take a moment to visit their unique site.