Students in the Wyoming High School All State Marching Band celebrated Thanksgiving this year not in their own homes, but in the Aloha State.

A total of 200 students from 27 Wyoming high schools headed to Hawaii to march in two holiday parades, one of which is in rememberance of Pearl Harbor. Students have been planning for the trip for two years.

"It's just time to do this thing," said Dave Bellis, one of the band's directors. "We say that because after two years, that's how I feel."

Bellis said the band headed to Hawaii after practicing marching throughout the summer, including a week long camp in Powell. Because students come to the band from different high schools, it can be a challenge to get everyone on the same page.

"Some of these kids are from big schools with marching programs,' Bellis said. "A lot of them are from smaller schools, and they've never marched before."

Parent Sue Heisner said her daughter, Barbara, had been looking forward to the trip all summer. The effort students are required to put into the state band is amazing, she added.

"It really pushes band and music in the state," Heisner said. "It's just a neat opportunity for them."

Barbara, a senior at Kelly Walsh High School, played the piccalo in Hawaii, but Barbara also plays the flute in Kelly Walsh's band. Music has been a lifesaver for her, she said.

"It can change your emotions. It can make you feel better," Barbara said. "If you have a bad day, you can go play."

Meeting students with a passion for music was the biggest highlight in joining the state marching band, Barbara added.

"Everyone in there is just so incredibly dedicated to it," she said. "It's nice to be around people who are as passionate about music as I am."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos.