The “President’s Own” United States Marine Band performed a concert at YPAS Friday night for a packed auditorium of 930 people. The performance was one of only two concerts to be held in Kentucky.

Earlier in the day, eighteen members of the band rehearsed music side-by-side with members of the YPAS band.

“I feel like by having eighteen of them there, the YPAS band also improved almost by magic,” Bi Wei Chen (12, YPAS) said. “I talked to a fellow band member and she said that our band has never sounded so good, and she was getting goosebumps. Overall, their visit was a truly humbling experience.”

YPAS Band Director Mr. Gregory Essig had to request the Marines a year in advance to be considered as a performance spot, and a representative had to come to YPAS on a site visit before it was confirmed.

“It was an amazing performance and we definitely made a positive impression on the Louisville community with our hospitality and ability to get over 900 audience members in and out of the theater in safety and comfort,” Mr. Essig said in an email to the YPAS faculty on Saturday.

“This marine band is one of the best in the world. A true honor to be able to host them,” YPAS Assistant Principal Mr. Bryan Crady said. “It was a wonderful experience.”