THE USUAL
A FAMILY BAND Twice-weekly practices create loyalties between generations by LORI D. R. WIGGINS photography by SMITH HARDY
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f you’ve been to a parade anywhere between here and the rest of the Tar Heel State, chances are you’ve been lucky enough to be entertained by the Helping Hand Mission Marching Band. The Helping Hand Mission Marching Band delivers the show-style, highstepping swag reminiscent of marching bands at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: knees lifted to a 90-degree angle with most every step, strutting, 52 | WALTER
acrobatics and dancers who effortlessly kick their legs past their heads. Less obvious is another cornerstone of HBCU bands: These bandmates consider each other brothers and sisters. Family. Composed of volunteers, amateur musicians and dancers of all ages, the band is a program of the Helping Hand Mission on Rock Quarry Road in Southeast Raleigh. Opened in the mid1970s, the Mission has helped individuals and families in need work toward
self-sufficiency with food, clothing, furniture and shelter. Mission founder Sylvia Wiggins created the marching band as a safe, positive outlet for children at risk of being derailed by social ills. Within the band, children (and now adults, too) find opportunities for physical fitness, discipline, outreach and community service. For decades, the band has been practicing twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. The beat of drums and whirl of instruments
