Grambling State marching band sets example for Richmond kids

RICHMOND, Calif. (KTVU) -- On Saturday the Grambling State University Tigers will take on the Cal Bears on the football field, but Thursday night in Richmond, no one was thinking about football.

This group was focused on the halftime show.

The high-energy marching band from GSU hit the field at Kennedy High School for practice and the stands were packed.

"I want to be like them one day," 10-year old Johntae Tolerson said. That's the goal.

"College," said principal Phillip Johnson. "A lot of our kids, I'd say almost 30 percent, don't go anywhere after high school."

Johnson hopes his students from the inner city see young adults from the traditionally black Grambling State University getting to travel and play with the world-famed marching band and get inspired.

"This is just giving them another opportunity to say, 'Look, this is what Grambling has to offer. Are you interested?'" said Johnson. Maybe they'll pick up an instrument, or set a goal to go to college, or both.

"He's going to go to Grambling so he can be on the drum line," Rolanda Hartfield said looking at her 8-year old son Jermanie Earnest, who brought his drum sticks to watch the band practice. "He's already been inspired!"

Kennedy High School's band program is just three years old.

"Those are role models out there," Principal Johnson said looking at the GSU band. "This is what we could be in five to eight years."

Kennedy H.S. band director Robert Alfaro says playing in the band gives students "instant place, instant belonging".

And if his students go on to college? "Instant friends," Alfaro laughed. "Just add water!"

The Grambling State Tigers seemed to make an impression on those who came to watch...and dream.

"It motivates me," said 10-year old Marshawn Duchine. "It's telling me in my head to step up my game!"