NEW ORLEANS — We have a lot of popular high school bands across the city of New Orleans and in the metro area, but some say Edna Karr definitely falls within the top five, or as they say, 'second to none'.
Karr's band has won countless awards over the years. They've been to London and were featured in Beyoncé's 'Formation' music video. The band is led by Christopher Herrero, a Karr alum.
"It’s in our bloodline it’s our lifeline music is New Orleans," said Herrero.
He played tuba in the band every year he attended Karr. Once he left for college, attending Jackson State University to study music education, then Hurricane Katrina struck and solidified that he wanted to come home especially when he saw how the storm destroyed the city's music programs.
"When I was in band camp, Katrina hit. That strengthened my resolve, it was my purpose to come back, my calling to come back to the city," he said.
Since Herrero has taken over as director of bands, he's seen it grow from 25 to over 100 band members. They're marching in eight parades this year, so you have plenty of opportunities to catch them.
"It’s amazing," said Herrero. "It’s just been a passion and a goal to make sure Karr was synonymous with New Orleans bands. It's a lot of dedication but with that dedication comes a lot of fun."
That reputation is something drum major Jaden Hicks knows well.
"Working under him, it’s sometimes great, sometimes a little hard but at the end the day it is what it is. We get it done and that’s what it takes to be the best," said Hicks.
The senior says he worked hard to step into the leadership role after losing his first year in the band to COVID that brought everything to a hilt. He said he has worked hard being a part of this band, most importantly how to be a true leader.
"As a leader you set the standard on what to do, so you have to learn how to follow before you can lead and even when leading you’re still following."
"It means everything being able to get back to my community showing students that I came from where you came from, and you can succeed as well just giving the opportunity in a pathway to success and then seeing it live in person," Herrero said.
Leading, learning, and lighting up the parade route. Herrero and Hicks when you catch them on the routes, you're in for a show.
"The most electrifying band in the city," says Herrero. "A band that’s always going to sound good and show out for the crowd."
"Just the best. Expect the best because we expect nothing less from ourselves," said Hicks.