Famed New Orleans marching band returns with 'sweet relief'

Published: 2006-08-21

NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- During a sweltering hot Louisiana day in late July, the sun was beating down upon the heads of about 70 teenage boys standing on the asphalt across the street from their school. Their faces were set in determination, though beads of sweat lined their foreheads and cheeks. Later that day, the quick rat-a-tat-tat beat of the drum line echoed across the parking lot in a sound symbolizing new hope for St. Augustine School and the entire city of New Orleans. Daily practice for the nationally-recognized band, known as the "Marching 100," has resumed. The members of the band from this all-boys, historically African-American Catholic high school compared the practice days to boot camp. But for many, the hard work, sweat and sore muscles they experienced daily was sweet relief and a return to a new sense of normalcy. Affectionately referred to as "St. Aug," the school was ravaged by flooding after Hurricane Katrina. Band members' uniforms were destroyed, and replacement uniforms cost around $500 each. Donations may be made on the school's Web site at: www.purpleknights.com/M100.htm.

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