A great documentary not only entertains and informs, but also causes people to pay attention and act. “Ballou” is one of those rarities.
For months, director Michael Patrei followed the members of the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band as they prepared for the National High Stepping Marching Band Competition in Birmingham, Alabama. This would be compelling enough in itself but the fact that Ballou Senior High School, located in one of the most impoverished areas of Washington, D.C., has the highest crime and poverty rates in the country and a 50% drop-out rate, makes these teens’ accomplishments truly inspiring. And the fact that 1500 violent crimes occurred within 1500 feet of the school during filming alone makes their story nothing less than miraculous.
Since the movie’s release, music and arts have been placed back in every D.C. school at every level – a true triumph, considering political bureaucracy and the state of the economy. Ballou Marching Band Director Darrell Watson was named ABC Person of the Year, the Band has been invited to play in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and all 14 Senior Band members from the movie went on to college. See the movie, and celebrate the power of the human spirit.
Yes, we can, indeed!
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