Transcript of Students from Maui prepare for performance at 2024 Rose Parade

Hi. High school students from all over Hawaii are in California this week getting ready for the experience of a lifetime. For some from Maui, it's been a long road to get here after surviving this summer's deadly fires. Hawaii's All-State marching band will perform in the New Year's Day Rose parade. Ceewae Laufo composed the band's music.

How excited are you about what's about to happen?

I'm so excited because it's my coming back to life celebration.

Back to life, because this summer, Ceewae nearly died of smoke inhalation when flames ripped through his neighborhood. This is right behind of our house. He ran back inside his house to save important items like his computer, which had all the band's music compositions.

You saved the music and you then went on to direct this band and form the band again and get them to the Rose parade.

That is very meaningful to me.

Parade organizers donated money for new instruments to help kids like Sheila Arkala, Deniko Cabading, and Samantha She-Bow. Who lost everything in the fires.

Even though I went through a lot, I'm still really grateful to be here and grateful to everybody who supported me the whole way.

In California, they've made new friends and met other bands from around the world. The students from Hawaii cheered by fans during a performance Friday, gearing up for the big parade Monday.

What do you think you'll be feeling?

I think I'll be emotional.

What are you feeling right now?

For me, writing the music for the group and having these students who had challenges in their lives bring it back to me. You know, is something meaningful.

The power of music, giving them a memory they'll never forget.

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