Long Island school band heads to Cuba

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - Many consider music one way of bringing people together. And North Shore High School of Glen Cove, Long Island, is about to test that theory. They are rehearsing for their most important audience yet -- in Cuba.

They are traveling to perform in Cuba as one of the first American public schools to do so since the travel embargo has been lifted.

John Phillips Sousa's Washington Post March will be the first selection the school's concert band will play.

The Cuban Ministry of Culture extended the invitation. The trip also offers the students a first-hand history lesson; one that they'll remember the rest of their lives.

These ambassadors leave for Cuba Thursday, taking with them their knowledge of Cuban songs they've learned and ready to leave behind a fair share of American ones, including some of today's pop songs.