Sacred Hearts Academy’s band participated in the 66th Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade on Sept. 22, marching from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park.

The band placed second in the marching band competition of the parade for its rendition of “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green. Waipahu and Moanalua High Schools, who tied at first.

The Aloha Festivals Floral Parade, the largest Hawaiian culture celebration in the United States, strives to “foster the Aloha Spirit through the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and the celebration of the diverse customs and traditions of Hawaii.”

This year’s Aloha Festival featured floats, hula halau, native flowers, pau riders and marching bands. The Aloha Festival started in 1946 and became a means of expression for the diverse cultures and traditions of Hawaii, as seen in music, dance and art.

The Sacred Hearts Academy band, the largest all girls’ school band in the nation, placed first in the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade in 2008 and performed in London’s New Years Parade in 2009.

Keith Higaki is the Academy band director.