S.E. Washington, D.C. - When Darrell Watson returned to his alma mater and became director of Frank W. Ballou Senior High School's Majestic Marching Knights, the former band member fulfilled a lifelong dream.
Although he has developed a nationally acclaimed band with limited resources, Watson was not fully aware of what people thought of his work until he saw Michael Patrei's "Ballou," a documentary on the Southeast school's marching band.
"When I saw the movie, I didn't realize that was me," said Watson, 37. "I was just doing what I thought was right."
The film highlights Watson's dedication to his students and has placed him in the national spotlight with an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" last Thursday. Students Lewis Franklin and Kenneth Horne appeared on the set with Watson while the 90-piece band performed via satellite from the school's gymnasium.
The 90-minute film, which began shooting in August 2006 and is in the final stages of editing, chronicles the efforts of Watson and several volunteers who try to teach their students life lessons through music and provide them with support, discipline and encouragement despite the adversity they might encounter.
Although the documentary has yet to be shown publicly, it has received praise through private screenings and generated notable publicity. "Good Morning America" aired a segment on the film last month.
Watson along with several band members, the filmmakers and District government officials have been invited to the White House for a private screening of the film today with first lady Laura Bush.
The filmmakers have submitted their project to the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it could debut in January. The film will be shown to the public after it debuts at a festival.
"We haven't gotten into the big festivals yet, but we're hoping to," said Casey Callister, who served as the film's executive producer with his wife, Maiko Callister, a teacher at Ballou, and childhood friend Patrei. "We feel it's been a success whether it gets into [them] or not."
DeGeneres stunned Watson during his interview on the daytime talk show by presenting two checks from online payment company PayPal totaling $100,000. The first check, for $25,000, went to the band; the school received a check for $75,000.
"PayPal's donation was our way of helping the students of Ballou Senior High School to continue to achieve their dreams," said Dana Stalder, senior vice president of marketing and business operations for PayPal.
Photo: Ellen DeGeneres interviews Ballou Senior High School students, from left, Kenneth Horne and Lewis Franklin and Majestic Marching Knights director Darrell Watson on her show. She stunned them with checks totaling $100,000."Mr. Watson and the Ballou High marching band are truly an inspiration," Stalder said.
Despite the influx of congratulations from colleagues, friends and family, Watson said he will rely on the guidance from his parents to remain "rooted and grounded" and hopes the spotlight will compel community leaders to increase their support for music and art programs in all public schools.
"I want [my students] to appreciate this," Watson said. "We still have to put the work in. There's nothing worse than having new uniforms or new instruments and looking a mess."
http://www.balloumovie.com/index.html
Ballou Senior High School Majestic Marching Knights Band, Washington, D.C.
Washington Times...
The White House celebrated the Ballou Senior High School marching band yesterday with a tribute from first lady Laura Bush and a private screening of a documentary about the struggles of the Southeast school's musicians as they worked for national success.
“Ballou: A Documentary” chronicles the efforts of director Darrell Watson and several volunteers who try to teach their students lessons through music and provide them with support, discipline and encouragement, despite adversity.
Mr. Watson along with several band members, filmmakers and city government officials were invited to join Mrs. Bush for the screening of the 90-minute film.
“Mr. Watson loves his job, and he does it well. He also loves the young people in his band, and it shows,” Mrs. Bush said.
Although the documentary has not been shown publicly, it has received praise through private screenings and generated notable publicity.
Photo:First lady Laura Bush yesterday greeted Ballou Senior High School marching band director Darrell Watson in the East Room of the White House. The band is featured in a documentary (above).
The filmmakers have submitted their project to the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it could debut in January. The film will be shown to the public after it debuts at a festival.“We haven't gotten into the big festivals yet, but we're hoping to,” said Casey Callister, who served as the film's executive producer with his wife, Maiko Callister, a teacher at Ballou, and childhood friend Michael Patrei. “We feel it's been a success whether it gets into [them] or not.”
For years, Ballou has been beset by problems, including a 2004 shooting in which a student was fatally shot in a hallway. But the band has been a source of pride — even performing in President Bush's 2005 inaugural parade.
Mr. Watson said he hopes all the attention will compel community leaders to increase their support for music and art programs in all public schools.
“I want [my students] to appreciate this,” Mr. Watson said. “We still have to put the work in. There's nothing worse than having new uniforms or new instruments and looking a mess.”
