The Grand Band will not participate in the Christmas Parade on Saturday due to conflicts with its rescheduled date. The Jazz Band, however, will be playing and marching to a Dixie-land style Christmas song.
After poor weather on the original date of the parade, December 7, it was rescheduled to December 21. Christmas Break begins on the same day, meaning the parade will be outside the school week.
“The weather was horrible the day it was originally supposed to be on so getting it off that day was a good call,” head director Russell Holland said. “Not real happy about it but it is very hard to do things outside of the school year.”
After the parade was rescheduled, questions were raised about attendance due to early holiday travels. Head director Russell Holland canceled the band’s parade performance due to scarce participation.
“The Christmas parade performance isn’t our fault for being canceled,” said senior Zoie Coleman. “I feel bad for the people that wanted to go and do it, and for the teenagers that had to take off for the parade.”
The directors and drum majors took a poll on Friday, December 13 to get an approximation of how many students were planning to attend. The grand band needed a count of over 50 students to reach marching numbers, but only 45 had been free to attend.
“I did want to go to the parade, even if that meant leaving work early and rushing to the band hall,” said squad leader Dulse Chavez. “I do believe it is important for the community, we have always been there for any big community event. This year we left a big mark after going to state and people want us there”
While the band is not able to attend, there will still be more things to go see and do up at the town square. Miss Emily Plemons has created some events to join the “Jingle All The Way Christmas Event” this year.
“We still have open spots available if anyone would like to be a part of the Home For The Holidays parade!” Plemons said. “There will also be lots of fun activities and vendors set up for the community to enjoy. We look forward to seeing everyone there.”
