Band Honors Organ Donors with Viral Performance of “Amazing Grace”

A heartfelt tribute to organ donation captured the attention of millions when the Band Directors Marching Band performed an emotional rendition of “Amazing Grace” on December 31, 2025. The performance, which took place in Pasadena, California, was dedicated to the memory of Emily Nicole Boyd, who passed away in 2018 at the age of eight. Joshua Boyd, her father and a member of the band, was visibly moved during the touching moment, marking a significant occasion for both the performers and the families of organ donors.

The performance occurred in a chilly warehouse near the Rose Bowl, where individuals connected to organ and tissue donation had gathered. The 360-member band, composed of current and retired band directors from across the United States and beyond, played the hymn for families associated with OneLegacy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to organ donation in Southern California. The video of the performance quickly gained traction online, amassing over 1.1 million views and 40,000 interactions within days.

Creating a Sacred Moment

Jon Waters, the band director from Port Clinton, Ohio, described the scene as an impromptu opportunity to connect with OneLegacy representatives. “I was moved seeing the faces of people who had donated organs,” Waters said. He requested permission to perform “Amazing Grace,” a piece the band had recently learned. After the initial performance, which left many in tears, Waters arranged for a second playing to ensure all families could partake in the moment.

Joshua Boyd shared his experience of the first performance, stating, “The emotions of knowing who we were playing for, and thinking of my own sweet Emily just washed over me.” The impact of the performance resonated deeply, creating a profound connection between the musicians and the audience.

The Band Directors Marching Band, under the auspices of the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, emphasizes “service through music,” a philosophy inspired by the legacy of the late Michael Sewell. This mission was vividly realized on that rainy day in late 2025, as the band members performed a piece that has since become a viral sensation.

Honoring Lives Through Music

The emotional weight of the performance extended beyond the music itself. John Cisetti, an assistant band director, reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “We are all called to service: service to family, service to community, service to country.” He expressed gratitude for the chance to honor the OneLegacy families through their music, reinforcing the notion that each performance can serve as a gift.

OneLegacy officials praised the band’s dedication, highlighting the importance of community engagement to promote organ donation. The organization aims to inspire conversations about the life-saving potential of donations, and the band’s performance became a vital part of that mission.

Elsa Garcia-Chau, a recipient of a heart transplant, stood among the musicians during the performance, feeling a deep emotional connection to the music. “The music, I felt it on my chest, every recess of my being,” she recalled. Garcia-Chau emphasized the importance of sharing stories about organ donation, encouraging others to consider the impact of their choices.

Joshua and Kelli Boyd made the decision to donate their daughter Emily’s organs, which ultimately saved three lives. They continue to honor her memory through monthly family gatherings, appreciating the joy she brought to their lives. Boyd expressed a special connection to the OneLegacy float featured in the Rose Parade, noting that this year’s entry included a tribute to a firefighter who was a personal connection from his past.

As the Band Directors Marching Band prepares for future performances, including participation in the Rose Parade, the experience on December 31 will remain a defining moment. Waters reflected, “In my career, I have never had a more emotional musical experience.” The performance was not only a tribute to those who have donated and received organs, but it also underscored the transformative power of music in fostering connection and healing.

The overwhelming response to the video of the performance highlights the universal significance of music, especially in moments of shared grief and hope. As Karen Sewell, widow of Michael Sewell, noted, “It wasn’t planned, but with amazing grace, we all connected… and made a difference.”