ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Joel Bolds has only known one thing as a drummer for Northside Christian School's legendary marching band: state championships.
Like, a lot of them, including two titles in the past two years.
"So it's disappointing this year," Bolds says with a shrug.
Due to the pandemic, competition among Tampa Bay area school bands is canceled this year.
So what's an award-winning ensemble to do?
Go on tour, of course, with a modern twist.
The Royal Ambassador Marching Band will "safely" be playing the Bay Pines VA Hospital plus various senior centers.
There will be extreme social distancing. Plus masks, horn covers, the works.
The band has about five engagements booked, but they want to play even more.
Wherever people are feeling shut-in by the pandemic.
Wherever people can use a smile.
"This might be an opportunity to give these kids a sense of purpose, and give those people hope," says Nathan Farrell, the school's fine arts director.
The Royal Ambassadors are preparing a medley of '60s songs, including classics from the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel.
For more information on the marching band, click here.