Two students from Walter L. Cohen High School—an Orleans Parish Charter School within the New Orleans College Prep Network—will perform with the 2021 High School All-Star Band at the Bayou Classic on Saturday, November 27.

Seniors Daryan Buckner and Hayley Patterson were selected for their musical ability and their positive attitudes towards becoming better musicians and members of their community.

The Bayou Classic, widely considered the most recognized football game between historically Black colleges and universities, is an annual matchup between Southern University in Baton Rouge and Grambling State University. The 48th game will be played before a live and televised audience at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

The Crescent City All-Stars Band is composed of 175 student musicians from 13 New Orleans-area high schools. Each band director selects the best of the best musicians to participate. Band directors from all over the city are involved in the organization and rehearsals.

David Wallace, band director at Cohen, shared his excitement about these students showcasing their talents. “We have great students at Cohen,” he said. “This is a unique opportunity for our school and students. I am proud to showcase our hard work to our New Orleans community and show that we can hang with top-tier schools. We can outshine the best!”

Both musicians shared the sentiment that while music may not necessarily be their long-term career path, they are excited about using music to propel them to the next phase in their lives.

“I’ve learned that if you want to be the best, you always have to do your best,” said Buckner, who spends upwards of six hours a day practicing the trumpet.

For more information about the Bayou Classic, visit here.