|
January 21, 2009 ·When Urban-15 marched in front of the presidential reviewing stand, the plan was for the drummers and dancers to keep on marching, but then they got a signal from the parade’s organizers. That meant Urban-15 could stop and perform for President Barack Obama and his family.
Hearing that infectious beat, First Lady Michelle Obama did what most people do — she stood up and did a little dance.
“I practically floated past the booth. Once I saw Obama, I lost all train of thought. It was just crazy,” said Bradley Vinson, a drummer for the group.
Bradley said when the percussion group was playing for the president it was difficult to concentrate, but they held it together. And the dancers with the giant silver stars stayed in step.
“We were part of history tonight,” said Vinson, “A lot of people can say I voted for the first African-American president. A lot of people worked on his campaign. But what we did tonight — this is going to last for a lifetime."
Vinson said he could clearly see the newly sworn in president and he appeared happy.
“He was pointing at the outfits with his wife, smiling and commenting. He made eye-contact with several of us and waved at people. He didn’t wave at the group. He made eye-contact and waved at people” Vinson said.
The band played a rhythm composition that George Cisneros, Urban-15’s leader, wrote which expresses good wishes for a new leader.
“This was far more emotional than I expected it would be. To actually go by the reviewing stand and play a piece about a blessing, hope and freedom,” said Cisneros.
Getting to Washington D.C. for the inauguration was a major effort for Urban-15, and Cisneros made a point to thank everyone who helped made that possible.
“We couldn’t be here without San Antonio’s support,” he said. “It’s just very emotional.”
In order to play in the presidential inauguration, Urban-15 needed to raise almost 50 thousand dollars. With the help of San Antonio supporters, almost all of the money was raised.
Cat Cisneros, George’s wife and Urban-15’s artistic director, said the being in Washington D.C. on this historic day was an honor.
“It’s such a beautiful city. It just brought tears. We were in tears at almost every event today. When Obama took his oath, it was so moving. To hear the speeches, to hear the poetry, to hear the music – it’s a new era,” Cat said.
Some members of Urban-15, like Lisa Endresen were so moved by the experience that she broke down emotionally and cried.
“It was so worth it. I mean – I don’t feel cold right now,” said Endresen who had spent the day standing in the 17 degree Washington D.C. weather.
“It was so emotional. I didn’t expect it to be. I was overwhelmed,” Endresen said, noting that she felt a personal connection to Obama.
“He looked right at us. And we smiled and he smiled right back,” she said. “It was amazing to have someone that you voted for, that you have read about, that you have watched with debates and everything for two years — just look at you and smile in appreciation for you coming out,” said Endresen.
Soon after performing at the reviewing stand Urban-15 was at the end of the parade route and boarded the bus. As they settled in for the hour-long drive to their hotel the text messages flowed in.
On her Blackberry, Urban 15 dancer Sylvia Rodriguez received reactions from family and friends.
“This is an email from my Uncle Milchor in Harlingen, Texas. He said ‘Sly you were great! But I saw you gawking at Obama and you missed a couple of steps” said Rodriguez.
The San Antonio performance group had spent most of the day dealing with security protocols, waiting for hours in the bitter cold and marching for miles,but the Urban-15 performers dealt with it all in good spirit, because also on this day the new president had called on the country to enter a new era of responsibility and sacrifice so to rebuild the nation for future generations. |
MP3 Download