Dear marching band member and parent,
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information concerning the Raleigh Christmas Parade and Marching Band Banquet this Saturday. Upcoming events are also listed at the end of this letter.
RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE & MARCHING BAND BANQUET
Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018
Report & Dress 7:00am
Group Photo in New Stadium 7:45am
Depart for downtown Raleigh (via activity busses) 8:30am
Arrive at parade site 8:45am
Approx. “Step-Off” Time (we are early in the parade) 9:45am
Return to ADHS 11:15am
***Banquet (in cafeteria) 1:30-4:30pm
Group Photo: Because we did not get the opportunity to have a formal group photo taken during any of our competitions, we wanted to schedule one before the season ends. We will make this photo available on smugmug. (Might make a nice holiday gift).
The Raleigh Christmas Parade is a beautiful event, one that our band has marched in since our school was founded over 40 years ago. The parade is one of the largest parades in the region with over 110 entries. It is also well attended and televised: The students will have the opportunity to perform for more people than all our previous performances combined. But most importantly, it is an opportunity for both band members and families to share another one of those “feel good” moments!
The parade will begin on Hillsborough St. near St. Mary’s College and move east to the Capitol. The parade will then trace part of the perimeter of the Capitol, turning south onto Salisbury and east onto Morgan. At the front of the Capitol, the parade will turn south onto Fayetteville St. where it will continue to Davie. The total length of the parade is about 1.4 miles.
Our Marching Band Banquet allows us to formally close a wonderful season. The banquet is “pot-luck;” families should review instructions (posted online and on flyers) concerning what to bring. Dress for the banquet is semi-casual: look nice because ALL of you will be receiving recognition! Students may bring a change of clothes for the banquet and remain at school, or they may travel home to change.
We will be making some very significant announcements at the conclusion of the banquet involving the following topics:
1) The marching band show theme for next year
2) A trip for this spring
3) A major trip being planned in the near future that is even bigger than the Outback Bowl!
Other information:
1) Winter Guard & Winter Percussion are presently holding orientation rehearsals for interested students. Be sure to get on board if you are interested as membership in these outstanding groups will be close in just a few weeks!
2) Remember to order your fruits and nuts! (“Orange you glad I reminded you?) Order forms are due this weekend.
Important Upcoming Dates:
12/1 Apex Christmas Parade 2:00-7:30pm (parade begins at 5:00pm)
*Students are reporting earlier than usual in order to attach lights to their uniform and instruments. We are going to be really LIT—like the Outback Bowl! Students are also asked to stay for an extra 15-20 minutes once we return to Athens in order to carefully remove and store the lights.
12/8 Cary Christmas Parade Noon-4:00pm (parade begins at 2:00pm)
12/20 Holiday Concert 7:00pm (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble)
Hope to see you along the parade route cheering on our wonderful band!
