DC high school marching band honored with new street name

WASHINGTON — Eastern High School’s marching band is being recognized for more than 100 years of excellence and dedication to the community. The legacy marching band has marched in NFL halftime shows, presidential inaugural parades and the opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup.

A street between North Carolina and and 17th streets in Northeast, D.C. --where the band typically practices -- will now be called “Blue & White Marching Machine Way," an honorary designation from the DC Council.

“We’ve been in this spot for 101 years," Principal Steven Miller said. "Our connection with the community is very deep. My mother,70 years ago, grew up here and she heard the band here." 

Former alumni also shared with WUSA9 their stories about their roots and connections to the school.

“Most of my family went to Eastern," Brenda Douglas, Class of 77, said. "My daughter was class of 2017. A lot of us that came through here."

“It means a lot to me to watch the name change, because the neighborhood is recognizing the impact this school has on this community,” added alumna Tanika DeZouza. 

The name change can be seen between the 1300 and 1600 blocks of A street. It represents more than 100 years of excellence in the Northeast, D.C. community.

You can see the Blue & White Marching Machine Band perform at their homecoming parade on Sept. 27. 

The band's next major appearance will be in London for the New Year's Day Parade.