Making Musical Memories in Mexico

Every trip the band is memorable, for both the chaperones and the students. From Germany to Japan, the band has played for concerts large and small.

This year's spring break trip to Mexico was no exception, where students and adults shared with the people of the state of Chiapas, and learned from their hosts.

The group of 40 students and 10 adult chaperones made their way during early April down to the southernmost Mexican state, welcomed by the hospitality of the high school band at Institute Fray Victor Maria Flores in  the town of Tuxtla Gutierrez.

"I think everyone had a wonderful experience," said Lew Lefton, a chaperone on the trip. "The people in Chiapas were so friendly and welcoming, and we really became part of their families."

Students performed four music and percussion concerts, including both large and small ensembles -- and the concerts did reach a wide audience.

"One of these was aired on state television, since we were considered, and treated as, distinguished guests of the governor of Chiapas," Lefton said.

The band also performed at their host institution and two different universities.

The trip wasn't all about work, though. The students and chaperones had a chance to tour the area, walking through botanical gardens to see the native trees used to provide some of the unique wood used for making musical instruments. They also hiked up Mayan pyramids; visited the colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas; and even experienced an earthquake (everyone made it ok, though).

Students who went on the trip said the memories will last for a lifetime.

"My greatest experience in Chiapas was when we went to the Mayan ruins and I rented a bike," said Eliza Stone-Cribb. "I rode it on a really bumpy road and I was surrounded by fields and mountains. I was completely alone, and it was probably one of the most beautiful, amazing moments of my life."

Hanna Lefton, Lew Lefton's daughter, said the best experience wasn't necessarily just a site.

"I have to say the greatest experience was the friends we made," she said. "I know it sounds cheesy, but those are the people we will remember for the rest of our lives. Experiences like this trip change the way we see the world."

DHS will return the favor next year, with their Mexican hosts visiting Decatur, staying for about a week, Lew Lefton said.

In the end, the trip -- the last international trip for the DHS band until 2015 -- reinforced the message that we all share commonalities, regardless of where we are, he said.

"The trip helped students and chaperones see how much we have in common with others in far away places, even though we speak different languages, eat different foods and have different lifestyles," he said.