During Thanksgiving Break, approximately 60 students from the Mt. Vernon High School Band of Marauders traveled to Philadelphia to perform in the 103rd ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade Nov. 24.
The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade began at 8:30 a.m. on the holiday. Thousands of people lined the streets of Philadelphia to cheer the performers, including the Band of Marauders. Although the band did not receive air time during its two-hour march, many were eager to be a part of the experience.
Band director Jackie Nason said the trip was “historic.”
“For the band program, this was a historic trip as it was the first time in program history that the marching band performed in a parade of this magnitude,” Nason said. “I couldn’t have been more proud of their performance.”
The band learned two new songs to perform at the parade: “Santa Baby” and “Let It Snow.”
Nason thanked the community for its support of the school’s marching band.
“We have really enjoyed all the support and congratulations that the community and MVCSC district has shown our students,” Nason said. “This opportunity has opened new doors for the Band of Marauders to march in even bigger parades in the future.
“This trip surely was one to remember for all of the students, parents, siblings and teachers who thoroughly enjoyed many new experiences.”
