# @unapologeticallymemphis on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DUWiI2KkQqU
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/55316620-unapologeticallymemphis-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b7b32c10ae.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-02-04T22:04:10.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Unapologetically Memphis (@unapologeticallymemphis) — https://gondola.cc/unapologeticallymemphis

## Caption

Teacher refuses to let students be left behind. 🎶🖤

What started just three years ago as a nearly silent band program—with only 2–3 students and no working instruments—has become one of the most inspiring growth stories in our city.
As a 2003 Raleigh-Egypt High School alumnus, Corey Travis returned to his alma mater not with a title or a teaching license, but with a commitment. I volunteered, went back to college, and rebuilt a program many believed was beyond saving. Today, our band has grown from 3 members to 50+ students, many playing an instrument for the very first time. Along the way, students have earned HBCU scholarships, found discipline, pride, and a safe space—and discovered who they are through music.
This band is bigger than music.
It’s structure.
It’s healing.
It’s purpose.
Our annual New Orleans College Mardi Gras trip has become a defining tradition—the only major trip we can afford each year, and for many students, their first time traveling out of state. It represents culture, excellence, and the reward of hard work.
This year includes seniors who have endured real trauma and still showed up every day. One of our student leaders lost his mother to cancer, maintained a 4.0 GPA, and led this band through grief and growth. I refuse to let a student who has sacrificed that much miss this moment.
We are at a defining point in the rebirth of this program.
The growth is real.
The sound is real.
The impact is real.
🙏 If you’re able to support, donate, connect us to a resource, or help us close the gap so these students can make it to New Orleans, please reach out to our Parent Support Team and give today at this link https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/sounds-of-soul-road-to-new-orleans—2026 or via CashApp $soundsofsoulband. 

25 people, companies, alumni, or family pledge $1,000 we will reach our goal. 250 people who give $100.00 will also help us reach our goal. 

This is the moment where a community decides whether it helps young people keep rising—or lets opportunity slip away.

#RaleighEgyptBand #RefusesToLetStudentsBeLeftBehind #BandRebirth #MemphisYouth #MusicEducation CommunitySupport MardiGras2026

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 1,123
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## Tags

memphisyouth, musiceducation, refusestoletstudentsbeleftbehind, bandrebirth, raleighegyptband

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