Ballou High School Marching Band at the Chinese Lunar New Year parade in China Town . In China, the festivities are known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, the new year is determined by the lunar calendar. And the Chinese aren't the only ones who observe it. From late January to mid-February, Vietnam and other countries celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Ballou Marching Band is a positive force in the lives of the students and the community. Under the direction of Mr. Darrell Watson, along with the help from his tireless, all volunteer staff, the Ballou Marching Band gives its students opportunities that they would not have otherwise had. Mr. Watson tries to instill "life lessons," as well as simply teaching music to give them the tools they need to succeed in life.