Central High Band Prepares for 57th Inaugural Parade
By:
Updated: December 24, 2012
The inauguration of our president to a second term will be held January 21st with plenty of fanfare. Among those officially taking part are some band and flag line members from Little Rock's Central High School.
So far Central High is the only school in Arkansas to get an invitation.
Band Director Brice Evans said, "They jumped for joy, literally, when I announced they were going to the inauguration."
It's a trip of lifetime for 103 students from the Central High band and flag line.
"I never thought I'd be able to lead a marching band in an inauguration parade," said senior Maryssa Barron.
"For many students, it will be their first time out of Arkansas," she said.
But before they can march in the 57th Inaugural Parade in Washington DC, they've got to rehearse.
The invitation just came Tuesday after an extensive application process.
And learning and perfecting Battle Hymn of the Republic isn't the only hurdle.
"We're looking at the total trip costing $110,000," said Evans "That's an estimate of $1000 per student."
The clock is ticking to raise that money. Payments are due at the end of the month.
"We want all 103 students to go," said Evans.
Central students know the significance of their school's history. Now they're working to be a part of history.
Barron said, To be able to go on this trip of a lifetime is an extraordinary opportunity."
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or making a donation should contact the band director by phone at 501-447-1478, by email at brice.evans@lrsd.org or click here.
So far Central High is the only school in Arkansas to get an invitation.
Band Director Brice Evans said, "They jumped for joy, literally, when I announced they were going to the inauguration."
It's a trip of lifetime for 103 students from the Central High band and flag line.
"I never thought I'd be able to lead a marching band in an inauguration parade," said senior Maryssa Barron.
"For many students, it will be their first time out of Arkansas," she said.
But before they can march in the 57th Inaugural Parade in Washington DC, they've got to rehearse.
The invitation just came Tuesday after an extensive application process.
And learning and perfecting Battle Hymn of the Republic isn't the only hurdle.
"We're looking at the total trip costing $110,000," said Evans "That's an estimate of $1000 per student."
The clock is ticking to raise that money. Payments are due at the end of the month.
"We want all 103 students to go," said Evans.
Central students know the significance of their school's history. Now they're working to be a part of history.
Barron said, To be able to go on this trip of a lifetime is an extraordinary opportunity."
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or making a donation should contact the band director by phone at 501-447-1478, by email at brice.evans@lrsd.org or click here.
