Short Summary

In November of 2017, we decided to become filmmakers.  We decided to start our film careers off by doing a Documentary.  With so many amazing topics to choose from, we ultimately decided to focus our efforts on telling the story of the USS Arizona Band.  Why this story?  To be perfectly honest, we still don’t know. Sounds silly, doesn’t it?  But if you have ever had a “calling” in your life, you’ll understand that sometimes we initially don’t understand what draws us to something, or someone, or a particular story.

After we entered production and began interviewing people associated with the USS Arizona and her story and history, we realized how blessed we truly were, and that the path we were on had been paved by a higher power. 

From our first trip to Hawaii, the Aloha Spirit captured our hearts and has provided “smooth sailing” during the entire project.  We have been blessed to have met so many wonderful people on a journey to tell the story of the boys in the band. 

We have shared our adventure with a few of our social media accounts and are hopeful that many of you have followed us for the last several months.  It has been an amazing experience.  So many of you have supported us, and for this, we are grateful.

What We Need

The biggest hurdle we had in bringing this story to life was securing the funding required to travel throughout the United States and conduct our interviews.  The good news is that hurdle has been cleared.  Our next challenge is raising the post-production funds we will need for photographic and video permissions, music licensing, and the colorization of the project. 

Securing rights to historical photographs can cost  $50.00 to $100.00 per photo while video footage cost upwards of $200.00 for 1 to 2 minutes of film time.  The funds we raise through the initial phase of our Indiegogo campaign will be used to offset the costs of these expenses. 

Once we achieve our initial goal of $7,500.00, we will then move to "InDemand" status, which will allow us to continue to raise funds. 

After securing funding for our photo and video needs, we would like to bring to our team a professional voiceover performer to serve as our narrator. 

Our final funding goal is to raise enough funds to secure the rights to use a few songs from the 1940's from the greatest performers of the era including Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw and Louie Armstrong.

Our perk packages are mostly focused on recognizing our sponsors via social media, the project websites, and during the end credits of the documentary, but for those of you seeking a little more involvement in the project, you may be interested in our "Producer" donation options.  Not only do you get all the perks our other team members get, but you will also be our VIP guests at A BAND TO HONOR's private screening party.

Our goal is to hold at least two (2) private screening parties, one in our hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada and the other in Hawaii.  While the dates and locations of these events are currently TBD, you will have the option of attending the event of your choice.  We can't pay for your transportation or lodging to get to either location, but we promise you'll have a great time when you get there!

Your contribution will help bring to life a story that very few Americans know about: that of the USS Arizona. Navy Band Unit 22, attached to the USS Arizona, was composed primarily of young men, 17-23 years of age. 

The band members lived together, trained together, and performed together, and on December 7, 1941, they died together. 

Their story needs to be told.  They are 21 of the 1177 stories that reveal the true tragedy of the USS Arizona—the loss of lives, too young and too soon.  By contributing to our project, you will be helping us preserve the legacy of the USS Arizona and her remarkable band.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA PRODUCTION

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE GROUP

Risks & Challenges

Many of the risks and challenges of trying to produce this documentary film have been conquered.  The production phase of "A Band to Honor" is now complete.

The United States National Park Service granted our request to interview their chief historian, Mr. Daniel Martinez, and to film aboard the USS Arizona Memorial. 

The United States Navy granted our request to interview members of the Navy School of Music and the President's United States Navy Band. 

And most importantly, several key interviewees graciously opened their hearts and their homes to our production team so that we could provide our viewers with a comprehensive look at the members of the USS Arizona Band.

The hard part is over. Now we just need a little help to make it to the finish line.  We have our eye on the prize, but to do this story the justice it deserves, we need to add a few finishing touches. 

Other Ways to Assist "A Band to Honor"

If you can’t contribute financially, we understand. Your voice will be just as helpful!

A Band to Honor" is an unashamedly patriotic tale of honor, service, and friendship. If you believe as we do that there is room on television for a story that takes us back to a time in our history where it was okay to stand at attention when the American flag was raised, sing the National Anthem and God Bless America, and take pride in serving one's country, then you can still help by copying the campaign URL and sharing it with your family and friends who share these beliefs.

Spread the word. Every donation will help.  We have something special in the works, and we are asking you to help us bring this project to life and share it with the world.

A few final words

We want our supporters to take pride in knowing they helped support this project, not only because it is important to those who died aboard the USS Arizona over 75 years ago but also because stories like ours help remind all Americans of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make while defending our freedom today. 

Your kindness and donations will help us achieve our goals and make this documentary happen.

THE USS ARIZONA

AND THE

USS ARIZONA BAND...

A LEGACY WORTH PRESERVING

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS