The Whole Gritty City

Gr 9 Up—Post-Katrina New Orleans has one of the highest murder rates in the country, and almost half its children live in poverty. That's the background for this documentary about three local marching bands and their dedicated directors' efforts to instill discipline as they teach students how to make music, thereby keeping them off the streets and out of danger. These kids discover joy playing an instrument and see that there is a future for them. The film opens with a band playing at a funeral and flashes back to the first rehearsals of the year. It chronicles the progress made as the teens develop technique, strive for perfection for Mardi Gras parades, and returns to the moving funeral of one of their own, whose bright future was cut short by his senseless murder. Several band members reveal what life is like for them away from school and the band, and the stories they tell are heart-wrenching. Their ambition to excel and pride in their band is evident. Violence is referred to, but it takes place off-screen, and a few swear words are uttered when band members are harassed by bystanders and rivals during a parade. Filmmakers Richard Barber and Andre Lambertson capture the right mix of material. This first aired on 48 Hours (CBS) in February 2014. Bonus tracks add depth and context, often tugging harder at the heartstrings, especially the footage following police officer Shelita Haynes, who has two sons in a marching band.