The Whole Gritty City
The Whole Gritty City is a unique, fascinating window into the little-known world of New Orleans school marching bands. This dramatic, music-filled documentary follows kids in three bands as the directors get them ready to perform in the Mardi Gras parades, and teach them to succeed and to survive. Navigating the urban minefield through moments of setback, loss, discovery, and triumph, these children and their adult leaders reveal the power and resilience of a culture. A 2016 ALA Notable Video, it was broadcast nationally as a CBS News Special hosted by Wynton Marsalis.
The film is available here with French or Spanish subtitles.
Buying or renting the 89-minute film also gets you 12 video additional scenes featuring characters and bands from the film
"Heartbreaking and hopeful" - LA Times
"Inspirational" - NPR Fresh Air
"We left the film shaken, mobilized" - Africultures.com
"Glorious" - David Simon (The Wire, Treme)
"A celebration of music, joy and hope" - Untitledmagazine.fr
"Highly recommended" - Booklist, School Library Journal, Educational Media Review
ALA 2016 list of notable videos for adults
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The Whole Gritty City (feature film)
1h 28m — 2 text tracks
Directors of three New Orleans marching bands prepare students to perform in the Mardi Gras parades. What emerges is a dramatic, music-filled story of children struggling to reach adulthood in one of America’s most impoverished and violent cities. Navigating the minefield of everyday urban life t...
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What is a Second Line? Part 1
3m 0s
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What is a Second Line? Part 2
2m 53s
The Rebirth Brass Band plays in a second line parade.
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What is a Second Line? Part 3
1m 17s
The Stooges Brass Band learns a new song.
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O. Perry Walker HS Concert Band Rehearsal
2m 59s
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LE Rabouin HS Cheerleader and Band Practice
5m 19s
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Roots of Music Teachers Discuss Their Uniforms
1m 14s
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New Orleans Police Officer Shelita Haynes
4m 3s
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Roots of Music's First Drumline
2m 13s
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The Wedding of Kirk and Denesha Dugar
8m 59s