Ballou: A Documentary Film

 

This was the official website for the 20 documentary film that follows the talented Ballou Senior High School Marching Band.
Content is from the site's 2007 archived pages.

 

 Ballou, a documentary film, follows the talented Washington, DC, Ballou Senior High School Marching Band, as they overcome a negative environment filled with guns, drugs and violence to overcome and uplift the community with music, dedication and personal sacrifice. Ballou High School is in Washington DC. They are on the way to a national band competition, but first they have to learn how to play instruments and overcome personal loses due to the United States governmental neglect of an impoverished community just 3 miles away from the US Capitol building. Political leaders and celebrities are featured in the film to show the importance of a small marching band that overcomes the negative environment and neglect to become an award winning band.

"...lively and affecting documentary" --Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

" You have got to see this documentary...It is an incredible story!" --Ellen DeGeneres, the Ellen Show

 "Every school should have a band! " - DC Mayor Adrian Fenty



Ballou High School Marching Knights Macy's Parade 2009

Ballou is a documentary film about the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band from South East Washington DC.  Ballou High School is a struggling inner city school where only 5% of its students go on after high school and graduate college. During the filming of this documentary 58 violent crimes occured within 1500 feet of the school and our producer was robbed at knife point and beaten on the door steps of another DC public school.

The Ballou Marching Band is a positive force in the lives of the students and in the community.  Under the direction of Mr. Darrell Watson, along with the help from his tireless, all volunteer staff, the Ballou Marching Band gives its students opportunities that they would not have otherwise had.  Mr. Watson tries to instill, “life lessons,” as well as simply teaching music to give them the tools they need to succeed in life. Listen to this great WAMU radio audio clip on the Ballou Marching Band.

The breadth of the documentary follows the band on a journey from band camp, to the National High Stepping Marching Band Competition in Birmingham, AL sponsored by Asymmetrix.  It is a very personal story about the lives of the band members, the director Mr. Watson, and his hard working staff who are all striving to be an award winning marching band.

Michael Patrei's 86 minute documentary follows the talented Ballou Senior High School Marching Band as they overcome a negative environment filled with guns, drugs and violence to uplift the community with music, dedication and personal sacrifice. This Washington, D.C. high school marching band—from an impoverished community just three miles away from the U.S. Capitol building—is on its way to the national band competition. They are a family with heart and soul that use hard work, discipline and compassion to overcome all obstacles. Political leaders and celebrities including Rev. Jesse Jackson, Gen. (ret) Colin Powell, Congressman John Lewis, Marion Barry, Denyce Graves, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and Chuck Brown are featured in the film to show the importance of a small marching band in the lives of the band members and in the community. NR: 86 min (All Ages)  

 

" ... a high stepping, award winning musical force! " - Charles Gibson, ABC World News

"...Ballou Marching Band is a winner! “ - Rev Jesse Jackson, Rainbow Push Coalition

"They are a wonderful, wonderful band" - Congressman John Lewis

 

Director: Michael Patrei

Darrell Watson

The Ballou High School Marching Band is truly a gem in the harsh, often unforgiving, environment of Washington DC Public Schools (DCPS).  As we set out to make this documentary, we made a very conscious decision to focus on what is positive here at Ballou, namely the Marching Band.  With so much negative press we felt compelled to tell a different kind of story.  We wanted to highlight the positive influence that the Ballou Marching Band has on the kids and the community.  There is a common held belief in the media that the public will not respond to news stories about things that are positive and upbeat, but rather prefer stories about tragedy and hardships.  This documentary film on the Ballou Marching Band will demonstrate that this is not always the case.

Although the Ballou Documentary focuses on one of the positive aspects of DCPS it is important not to forget the reality of these schools.  They suffer from innumerable challenges and neglect. The Washington Post reports almost daily on these transgressions, yet little is done for our children in these schools.  Ballou Senior High School, among other public schools in DC have to deal with these problems while being within 3 miles of the United States Capitol and the U.S. Department of Education Building, (with its front entrance that reads “No Child Left Behind”.) We have an obligation to ask ourselves the tough questions.  How can a wealthy and powerful city such as Washington DC continue to have public schools in
such poor conditions?  What are the real reasons for such neglect?  Along with asking these questions,
we must then actually do something about it.

My hope is that everyone who sees this documentary will quickly begin to care for these kids as I have done.  Then, perhaps, we can put aside our indifference in order to help give these children the the equal opportunities that should be available to all children across this country.

The band director, Mr. Darrell Watson, often tells the students in the band that, “it’s not just music, it’s life lessons.”   This can be said about anything we undertake in life.  In the process of making this documentary I have grown as a filmmaker and as an individual.

The Ballou Marching Band is much more than just a marching band, they are a close family and like any close family, they will make you laugh and they will move you to  tears, they will offer you hope and they will leave you in sadness, they will bring you joy and they will certainly frustrate you, and ultimately they will warm your heart.

I am grateful to the Ballou Band and staff for allowing me to be a part of their lives in the making of this documentary.  They have welcomed me into their family with open arms and now I welcome you to join the wonderful experience that is the Ballou High School Marching Band.

Thank You,

Michael Patrei

 

 

Ballou Senior High School Marching Band Resume:

2009 - Invited to perform in the 2009  Tournament of the Roses Parade , Pasadena, CA

2009 - Invited to perform in the 2009  Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade , New York, NY

IMAGE: band-resume-2

2008 - Selected as official band for the Washington Mystics, WNBA The Ballou High School Marching Band performs all year round and is involved in many parades and competitions for community service.

2007 - Awarded District of Columbia Ceremonial Resolution, for its “dedication and sacrifice”

2007- Honored at the White House by First Lady Laura Bush

 

2007 - Opening act for Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Katherine McPheeat at Senator Hillary Clinton’s Rally, Washington DC

 

2006 - 3rd Place- Asymmetrix National High Stepping Marching Band Competition, in Birmingham, AL

2006- Opening day performance for DC United Major League Soccer team at RFK Stadium, Washington DC

2006- Performed for Save Brown vs. Board of Education March on Washington, DC

2005 - DC Mayor Williams presents a proclamation that January 28th will be “Frank W. Ballou Marching Band Day” in the District

2005 - 2nd Place - Asymmetrix National HighStepping Marching Band Competition, in Birmingham, AL

2005- Selected out of thousands of bands to performat President George Bush’s 2005 Inaugural Parade

2005- Selected out of thousands of bands to perform at President George Bush’s 2005 Inaugural Parade

2005- Opening Day Ceremony for the new Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team.

2004- 2nd Place - Home Depot National Battle of the Bands, in Carson, CA

2004-2007- Marched in the annual Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma, in Washington, DC

2004-2007- Marched in the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, DC

 

Ballou Band's Feats Garner Attention

By Timothy Wilson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, October 18, 2007

When Darrell Watson returned to his alma mater and became director of Ballou Senior High School's Majestic Marching Knights, the former band member fulfilled a lifelong dream.

Although he has developed a nationally acclaimed band with limited resources, Watson was not fully aware of what people thought of his work until he saw Michael Patrei's "Ballou," a documentary on the Southeast school's marching band.

"When I saw the movie, I didn't realize that was me," said Watson, 37. "I was just doing what I thought was right."

The film highlights Watson's dedication to his students and has placed him in the national spotlight with an appearance recently on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." Students Lewis Franklin and Kenneth Horne appeared on the set with Watson while the 90-piece band performed via satellite from the school's gymnasium.

The 90-minute film, which began shooting in August 2006 and is in the final stages of editing, chronicles the efforts of Watson and several volunteers who try to teach their students life lessons through music and provide them with support, discipline and encouragement despite the adversity they might encounter.
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Although the documentary has not been shown publicly, it has received praise through private screenings and generated publicity. "Good Morning America" aired a segment about the film last month.

Watson along with several band members, the filmmakers and D.C. government officials attended a private White House screening of the film last week with first lady Laura Bush.

The filmmakers have submitted their project to the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it could debut in January. The film will be shown publicly after it debuts at a festival.

"We haven't gotten into the big festivals yet, but we're hoping to," said Casey Callister, who served as the film's executive producer with his wife, Maiko Callister, a teacher at Ballou, and childhood friend Patrei. "We feel it's been a success whether it gets into [them] or not."

DeGeneres stunned Watson during his interview on the daytime talk show by presenting two checks from online payment company PayPal totaling $100,000. The first check, for $25,000, went to the band; the school received a check for $75,000.

"PayPal's donation was our way of helping the students of Ballou Senior High School to continue to achieve their dreams," said Dana Stalder, a senior vice president at PayPal.

"Mr. Watson and the Ballou High marching band are truly an inspiration," Stalder said.

Despite the influx of congratulations from colleagues, friends and relatives, Watson said he will rely on the guidance from his parents to remain "rooted and grounded" and hopes the spotlight will compel community leaders to increase their support for music and art programs in all public schools.

"I want [my students] to appreciate this," Watson said. "We still have to put the work in. There's nothing worse than having new uniforms or new instruments and looking a mess."

 

The Current Ballou Documentary Team

Executive Producers: Michael Patrei, Casey Callister, Maiko Yoda Callister

Producer: Casey Callister  ( casey at gardenthieves.com )

Director/Editor: Michael Patrei

Publicity Director:  Thomas Bindley ( tom at gardenthieves.com )

Assistant Publicity Director: Sheryl Pearson ( sheryl at gardenthieves.com )

Student Liaison: Maiko Yoda Callister - See Maiko as a featured teacher

Contributing Filmmakers:    Bobby Koeth III - Featured in Washington Post /Mark Pagan /  Amy Barnes - See Amy's Award Winning Short

Ballou Student Filmmakers: Kenny Horne /  Lewis Franklin

Animation: Kevin J Gillespie - See Kevin's Graphic Design

Graphic Design:  Angela Tsang ( Angela made the cool graphic right here -------->

Musical Composition: Jeff Suszczynski, The Gifted Children

Additional Musical Composition: Nick Patrei

Featured Recording Artist: Anami Jordan and Kuku

Story Consultants

Docs in Progress -  Adele Schmidt & Erica Ginsberg

Documentary Docter - Fernada Rossi

 

More Background On BallouMovie.com

 

BallouMovie.com served as the official website for Ballou, an 86-minute documentary film that captured the extraordinary journey of the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band from Southeast Washington, D.C. The film, directed by Michael Patrei, chronicled the determination of a group of students and their devoted director, Darrell Watson, as they used music to overcome violence, poverty, and neglect in one of the nation’s most troubled public school systems.

Through its storytelling, the film shed light on a part of the nation’s capital that exists in stark contrast to the marble grandeur just a few miles away. It became not only a cinematic record of perseverance and unity but also a cultural call to recognize the transformative power of arts education.

Background and Setting

Ballou Senior High School sits in one of Washington, D.C.’s most economically challenged neighborhoods, a community plagued by gun violence and limited access to educational resources. Yet, amid those challenges, the school’s marching band became a symbol of pride and hope.

During the time of filming, over fifty violent crimes were recorded within 1,500 feet of the school. One of the film’s producers was even robbed and beaten outside another local public school. These stark realities provided the backdrop to a story about how art and dedication could rise above adversity.

The students of Ballou faced the same struggles as many in underserved urban communities: financial hardship, loss, and social instability. Yet their band program, run almost entirely by volunteers, offered them an anchor—a structured environment where discipline and mentorship could thrive.

The Film’s Narrative and Vision

Directed by Michael Patrei and produced by Casey and Maiko Callister, Ballou followed the marching band’s journey from band camp to the National High Stepping Marching Band Competition in Birmingham, Alabama. The narrative was not simply about a competition—it was a deeply human portrayal of how music provided direction and identity to students in a neighborhood struggling for stability.

Under the leadership of Mr. Darrell Watson, a Ballou alumnus and former band member, the marching band became both a refuge and a training ground for young people. Watson taught far more than music; he instilled values of teamwork, accountability, and perseverance. His oft-repeated mantra to his students—“It’s not just music, it’s life lessons”—became the film’s emotional through line.

The Director’s Approach

Patrei and his production team sought to tell a positive story emerging from an often misunderstood environment. While Washington, D.C.’s public schools frequently made headlines for administrative failings and poor conditions, Ballou shifted the focus to resilience, talent, and community pride.

The director emphasized authenticity—following the band through rehearsals, performances, setbacks, and triumphs—without resorting to sensationalism. The choice to document rather than dramatize gave the film its credibility and emotional depth.

Patrei described his motivation as wanting “to highlight what’s right in a place where so many focus only on what’s wrong.” By embedding himself with the students and faculty, he captured not just the music but also the sense of family and belonging that defined the band.

Public Reception and Critical Praise

When Ballou began circulating in film festivals and private screenings, it drew critical acclaim for its energy and emotional resonance.

  • The Washington Post’s Ann Hornaday called it “a lively and affecting documentary.”

  • Ellen DeGeneres, who featured the film and the band on her show, declared, “You have got to see this documentary. It’s an incredible story!”

  • ABC World News anchor Charles Gibson described the Ballou Marching Band as “a high-stepping, award-winning musical force.”

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson and Congressman John Lewis both praised the students for their discipline and spirit, calling the band “a winner” and “a wonderful, wonderful band,” respectively.

This recognition extended beyond reviews. The film and the band drew national attention for what they symbolized: hope through discipline and artistry.

National Exposure and Support

The release of Ballou coincided with several high-profile appearances that brought the marching band to national prominence.

The students performed live via satellite on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where Ellen surprised the group with two checks from PayPal totaling $100,000—$25,000 for the band and $75,000 for the school. The donation was intended to help sustain the program and purchase much-needed instruments and uniforms.

They also appeared on Good Morning America and were honored at a private White House screening hosted by First Lady Laura Bush. These moments elevated the story from a local triumph to a national conversation about the value of music education and community involvement.

Awards and Achievements

Long before and after the documentary’s release, the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band built an impressive résumé of honors and high-profile performances, including:

  • 2009: Invited to perform in both the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

  • 2008: Selected as the official band for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA.

  • 2007: Honored with a D.C. Ceremonial Resolution recognizing its “dedication and sacrifice.”

  • 2007: Received commendation at the White House from First Lady Laura Bush.

  • 2006: Third place at the Asymmetrix National High Stepping Marching Band Competition in Birmingham, Alabama.

  • 2005: Named in a mayoral proclamation declaring January 28th “Frank W. Ballou Marching Band Day” in Washington, D.C.

  • 2005: Performed at President George W. Bush’s Inaugural Parade and the Opening Day ceremony for the Washington Nationals.

  • 2004–2007: Regular participants in the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma.

These accolades reflected the extraordinary dedication of students and staff who turned limited resources into remarkable opportunities.

Behind the Scenes: The Production Team

The Ballou documentary was brought to life by a committed team of filmmakers, educators, and volunteers who shared a belief in the story’s importance.

  • Executive Producers: Michael Patrei, Casey Callister, and Maiko Yoda Callister

  • Director and Editor: Michael Patrei

  • Producer: Casey Callister

  • Publicity Director: Thomas Bindley

  • Assistant Publicity Director: Sheryl Pearson

  • Student Liaison: Maiko Yoda Callister

  • Contributing Filmmakers: Bobby Koeth III, Mark Pagan, Amy Barnes

  • Animation: Kevin J. Gillespie

  • Graphic Design: Angela Tsang

  • Music Composition: Jeff Suszczynski (The Gifted Children) and Nick Patrei

  • Featured Artists: Anami Jordan and Kuku

The filmmakers worked closely with Ballou students, integrating them into the creative process and giving them hands-on experience with filmmaking and storytelling.

Organizations like Docs in Progress and Documentary Doctor provided consulting, ensuring that the narrative balanced emotional impact with journalistic integrity.

Themes and Message

At its heart, Ballou is about transformation—how creativity can counter hopelessness. It explores the profound connection between mentorship, structure, and self-expression in shaping young lives.

Through the lens of the Ballou Marching Band, viewers see how an extracurricular program can become a lifeline. Many students, surrounded by violence outside school, found safety and identity within the band. The discipline of rehearsal replaced the chaos of the streets; performance became a path toward pride and self-worth.

The film also raises broader social questions:
How can one of the wealthiest cities in the world allow such neglect to exist within sight of the Capitol? Why must private citizens and artists be the ones to highlight this imbalance?

Patrei’s work doesn’t offer easy answers but demands awareness and empathy from its audience. The film calls on viewers to support music and arts programs everywhere as essential—not optional—components of education.

Press and Media Coverage

From 2007 onward, major media outlets featured stories on both the film and the band’s accomplishments.

  • The Washington Post ran multiple articles, including “Ballou Band’s Feats Garner Attention,” highlighting Watson’s leadership and the students’ resilience.

  • Good Morning America aired a segment celebrating the band’s achievements.

  • The Ellen DeGeneres Show helped catapult them into national visibility.

  • ABC World News featured the group as an example of the positive influence of community arts programs.

These appearances collectively reframed public perception of Washington, D.C.’s public schools. Instead of seeing Ballou as a symbol of decline, audiences saw it as a beacon of what determination and mentorship can accomplish.

The Website’s Role

The website BallouMovie.com functioned as the film’s central hub during its promotional phase. It featured behind-the-scenes stories, production updates, photographs, press releases, and the band’s performance résumé.

Archived in 2007, the site highlighted positive community engagement, listed media coverage, and provided access to music clips, filmmaker bios, and educational resources. Visitors could learn about the students, follow the band’s progress, and access information for screenings and appearances.

The tone of the site was celebratory but grounded—it did not shy away from describing the school’s challenges, yet it always returned to the theme of perseverance. In doing so, the site extended the film’s mission of advocacy for arts education.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Ballou story resonated far beyond Washington, D.C. It became a case study in how creative outlets can save lives and strengthen communities.

For policymakers, the film illustrated the urgent need for sustained investment in arts and music programs. For educators, it validated the idea that mentorship and structure are key to reaching at-risk youth. For audiences, it served as a reminder that greatness can emerge from places society too often overlooks.

The documentary’s influence continued through educational use—screenings at schools, community centers, and nonprofit events. It inspired similar projects highlighting youth music programs across the country.

The Ballou Marching Band itself became a cultural ambassador for its neighborhood, representing not just D.C. but the broader American ideal that talent and discipline can transcend circumstance.

Legacy and Continuing Impact

Years after the film’s release, its message remains relevant. The Ballou Marching Knights continue to perform, mentoring new generations of students. Alumni have gone on to colleges, music programs, and careers influenced by the values learned under Mr. Watson’s direction.

The documentary’s legacy is twofold: it immortalized a specific moment in the band’s history, and it sparked national discussions about how to nurture potential in neglected communities.

Michael Patrei’s heartfelt closing statement from the site captured this perfectly:

“The Ballou Marching Band is much more than just a marching band. They are a close family who will make you laugh and move you to tears. They offer hope, bring joy, and ultimately warm your heart.”

BallouMovie.com and Ballou: A Documentary Film together form a testament to the enduring human spirit found in the halls of one Washington, D.C. high school. By focusing on the strength of its young musicians and their devoted leader, the film transforms statistics into stories, and hardship into harmony.

Through its honest lens, the documentary reminds audiences that creativity, mentorship, and love for community can stand as the strongest instruments of change. The Ballou Marching Band’s rhythm—born from struggle, discipline, and pride—continues to echo far beyond the streets of Southeast D.C., symbolizing the timeless truth that music can, indeed, change lives.

 

 

BallouMovie.com