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Annual Band Thanksgiving

 Band students line up to fill their plates with all the delicious food at Band Thanksgiving this past November.
Band students line up to fill their plates with all the delicious food at Band Thanksgiving this past November.
Paul Nickolas

Every year, Barlow’s band teacher, Mr. Nickolas, hosts one of the most anticipated band events of the year: Band Thanksgiving. For almost 15 years, the band has gotten together to celebrate the nationwide holiday with their own spin on it. The week prior, band students plan the event by signing up to contribute to the feast and bring either money for groceries or a meal of their choosing. Exactly a week before Thanksgiving, cafeteria tables are set up wall to wall in the band room, and various foods and drinks are laid out for the taking.  

The tradition started years ago when four students, who were juniors at the time, set up a table with all sorts of decorations and shared a Thanksgiving meal in the cafeteria. Many people thought this was a fun idea and had asked to join. A few years later, Mr. Nickolas was asked to host their tradition in the band room. At the time, Mr. Nickolas was the band director and was inspired by the event, which brought his students together. In the years following, more band students joined, and the event slowly grew. It was then turned into an actual band event, and every band student was invited. 

Since then, band students and staff have all been invited to the feast one week before Thanksgiving. This fall, November 21, 2024, the Thursday before Thanksgiving, during both first and second lunch, 120 students made their way to the band room and shared their love for music and the holiday. The tradition will continue in the following years, and feed new students every year.   

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