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New Orleans high school band marches into Sandwich as part of Underground Railroad tour

A group of young Americans marched into Sandwich Monday night — but it wasn't part of an invasion or a War of 1812 reenactment. The display was part of a New Orleans high school's band trip to learn more about the history of the Underground Railroad.

"Marching Up to Freedom Land" tour combines music, history

Jonathan Pinto · CBC News ·
Students from St. Augustine High School in New Orleans perform at Sandwich First Baptist Church Monday night. (Jonathan Pinto/CBC)

A group of young American men marched into Sandwich Monday night — but it wasn't part of an invasion or re-enactment of the War of 1812.

The occasion was a trip by a New Orleans high school band on a mission to learn more about the history of the Underground Railroad.

St. Augustine students walking into Sandwich First Baptist Church Monday night. (Jonathan Pinto/CBC)

"We're taking our journey from the south of the U.S. and then going to different spots," explained Fr. Tony Ricard, campus minister at St. Augustine High School, an all-boys Catholic high school in New Orleans.

"This year we went to Birmingham, Alabama, then we stopped in Cincinnati."

Students wore toques that read "Marching Up to Freedom Land." (Jonathan Pinto/CBC)

About 170 students and 20 staff members are part of the trip, which is in its second year.

"We're very famous for our music program," Ricard said, noting that his students have performed at the Rose Bowl, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Super Bowl, in addition to Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans.

Sandwich First Baptist is located on Peter Street in Olde Sandwich Towne. (Jonathan Pinto/CBC)

After crossing the border the band's first Canadian stop was Sandwich First Baptist Church on Peter Street.

"Slaves who had escaped into Canada hid underneath the floors," Ricard said. "For our boys to have the chance to literally go down into those tunnels and actually see where the slaves hid, [it's] a phenomenal experience."

Church historian Lana Talbot speaks to the students. (Jonathan Pinto/CBC)

The group will stop in Toronto and Niagara before heading home.

A historical plaque outside Sandwich First Baptist Church. (Jonathan Pinto/CBC)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jonathan Pinto

Host

Jonathan Pinto is the host of Up North, CBC Radio One's regional afternoon show for Northern Ontario and is based in Sudbury. He was formerly a reporter/editor and an associate producer at CBC Windsor. Email jonathan.pinto@cbc.ca.

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