{"id":1954,"date":"2011-06-06T10:35:48","date_gmt":"2011-06-06T15:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/?p=1954"},"modified":"2014-04-07T07:16:23","modified_gmt":"2014-04-07T12:16:23","slug":"phs-band-and-choir-tarvel-to-washington-d-c-for-the-memorial-day-parade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/?p=1954","title":{"rendered":"PHS Band and Choir travel to Washington D.C. For the Memorial Day Parade"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The PHS band and choir members sit on the steps of the Capitol Building before the tour. Photo contributed by Mr. Ames<\/p><\/div>\n

By Casey McDonald and Gina Rodeghero<\/em><\/p>\n

The Pride of Plymouth marching band and choir(D.C. Connection) traveled to Washington D.C. to perform in the Memorial Day Parade. \u00a0Plymouth High School represented the State of Indiana, being the only band in the state to perform in this parade. \u00a0Even though the marching band and choir had an unforgettable day at the parade even though the heat affected some, they still managed to have a great trip that they all will remember.<\/p>\n

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All\u00a0 students on the trip found at least\u00a0 one favorite thing that they liked. \u00a0Sophomore drumline member Daniel Johnson said that his favorite thing in Washington D.C. was going to the Smithsonian Museums. Sophomore trombone member Jackson Garrison also said that his favorite thing to do was the bus ride and staying in the hotel were the best, \u201cbecause I got to relax and talk to people.\u201d \u00a0Sophomore Crimson member Becca Houser says, \u201cI loved doing the illumination tour. \u00a0It was so cool to see all the monuments lit up.\u201d \u00a0Some had memories of places, but others had memories of interesting people they met on the trip. \u00a0Junior Choir member Mandy McPherron says, \u201cBo the sun glass man.\u201d \u00a0Senior Crimson member Jessie Gibbs explains, \u201cThe illumination tour of all the monuments.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Sophomore drumline member Jack Harley said that his favorite thing was being above deck on the cruise.<\/p>\n

After the long trip, some students are glad to be home. \u00a0But they all think, \u2018Were they glad they went on the trip?\u2019 \u00a0Garrison said that \u201cYes, I loved traveling and I\u2019ve never been to a lot of stuff in D.C. Not to mention the parade which was a great experience to do.\u201d \u00a0\u201cI was glad I\u00a0 went because I got to see the monuments and the Smithsonian,\u201d Johnson said. \u00a0\u201cI was very glad I went on the trip. \u00a0It was a great experience to see our nations Capitol,\u201d says Houser. \u00a0\u201cYes it was a lot of fun and was a good experience to have with my friends,\u201d explains McPherron. \u00a0Harley on the other hand said that he did not like the trip because it was overbooked and stressful. \u00a0\u201cYes, because we are not just a choir or band family anymore we are a music department family,\u201d says Gibbs.<\/p>\n

On May 29, Sunday night, the group was taken to a cruise ship where they met up with another school from Florida to have dinner, dance, and enjoy the nice view from the ship. \u00a0It was a very enjoyable night filled with laughs, fun, and\u00a0 excitement.\u00a0 \u201cIt as nice to just relax,\u201d \u00a0said Harley. \u00a0\u201cI very much so [liked the dinner cruise]. \u00a0The food was great, as well as the weather. \u00a0It was nice to see everyone dressed up,\u201d \u00a0Garrison said. \u00a0\u201cIt was fun with the other school we were with, and Ben Piazza made the night when he danced to Yeah by Usher,\u201d says McPherron. \u00a0Johnson said that he enjoyed it because the view on top was spectacular. \u00a0Hampton also said \u201cI loved the dinner cruise because it gave me an opportunity to interact with other people. \u00a0Also, I love dancing.\u201d \u00a0\u201cIt was fun. \u00a0The music was good and the food was good,\u201d says Houser. \u00a0\u201cYes, the food was amazing and the view up top was a breath taking view,\u201d explains Gibbs.<\/p>\n

Even on fun and exciting trips, people can still learn something, even if it is just a little thing. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cI learned about so much history having to do with things such as Arlington cemetery and the monuments,\u201d says Houser. \u00a0Hampton said, \u201cI learned about historical sites and about the many lives that served and dies honorably for this country.\u201d \u00a0While Johnson said he learned about the different things that have influence the county. \u00a0Harley said, \u201cthere is a lot of culture in America than what I thought.\u201d \u00a0Garrison added saying that the one thing he learned was, \u201cParade requires water!\u201d \u00a0\u201cA lot about American history and Bo the sun-glass man got all the colors,\u201d says McPherron. \u00a0\u201cI learned to never volunteer to march in a parade when the temperature is that high, ever again. \u00a0Just kidding, I learned that Bo the sun-glass man\u2019s got all the colors! \u00a0See Freshman Jace Allen for impersonation,\u201d says Gibbs.<\/p>\n

Everyone usually has at least one place they enjoyed going to. \u00a0Garrison said that his favorite place to go was, \u201cThe Korean War memorial, is is by far the coolest memorial.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe Korean War monument. \u00a0it was just a great thing,\u201d agreed Harley. \u00a0Hampton said, \u201cI really enjoyed the American History Smithsonian because I got to see Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Archie Bunker\u2019s, and the Star Spangled Banner.\u201d \u00a0Along with Johnson who said, \u201cThe Smithsonian’s were my favorite places to go.\u201d \u00a0\u201cI think my favorite \u00a0place was the World War II Memorial. \u00a0It was so beautiful there and it had meaning to me,\u201d says Houser. \u00a0\u201cMount Vernon because our group got to compete the little kid adventure map and be the only one with special prizes,\u201d explains McPherron. \u00a0\u201cThe Smithsonian museum because I am a history geek and I love all that old stuff,\u201d states Gibbs.<\/p>\n

For some students, this was their first time ever being away from home. \u00a0For some, it was just another trip to get away from home. \u00a0\u201cYes the farthest was California but this was the first trip I have been away from my parents,\u201d says Gibbs. \u00a0\u201cThe place I went before was Minnesota on a canoe trip,\u201dJohnson said. \u00a0Garrison has been to many places saying, \u201cyes [I\u2019ve been to many places], D.C. Alaska, South Dakota, Canada, New Hampshire, Colorado.\u201d \u00a0Hampton also has been to many places, \u201cyes, [I have traveled] many times. \u00a0I\u2019ve been to Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri.\u201d \u00a0\u201cYes I have. \u00a0I have gone to Florida and California,\u201d says Houser. \u00a0\u201cYes I go to camp every summer at Indiana State University and then we \u00a0travel all over a lot,\u201d says McPherron.<\/p>\n

On Monday, May 30, Memorial Day, the PHS band and choir performed in two locations for two very special events. \u00a0The Choir performed at the Navy Memorial during the wreathing ceremony, while the band marched on Constitution Avenue on television for this year\u2019s D.C. Memorial Day Parade. \u00a0McPherron said, \u201cIt went well we all had things we could have done better but it was good.\u201d \u00a0Hampton stated, [the parade was] exhausting! I don\u2019t remember ever being that tied and dehydrated before. \u00a0It was a little scary when a couple people passed out.\u201d \u00a0Houser said, \u2018I thought it went well. \u00a0Beside it being so hot outside. \u00a0It was good. \u00a0I am glad I got to experience it though.\u201d \u00a0Garrison also said that it was good to have the experience. \u00a0\u201cIt was on the the hardest things I have ever done!\u201d Johnson said. \u00a0Along with Gibbs who states that the parade was better than she expected.<\/p>\n

Memorial day was a very special day for both the band and choir. \u00a0The choir was an honored performance because they performed following the Navy\u2019s wreath laying ceremony. \u00a0Following the choir\u2019s performance, was the parade and a select few choir members participated\/helped out with the parade. \u00a0\u201cWe performed at the Navy Memorial. \u00a0It was so beautiful. \u00a0It was such an open area, following the performance. \u00a0I helped out with the parade. \u00a0I carried a flag along with five other choir members,\u201d says Houser. \u00a0\u201cWe performed five songs on the steps of the navy memorial, and following the performance I helped out with the parade by carrying water,\u201d explains McPherron. All of the band performed on Constitution Avenue, marching sixteen blocks down the street (one block in D.C. is equivalent to two or three here in Plymouth). \u00a0With Hampton adding who said, \u201cwe ended on the street across from the White House.\u201d \u201cThe Navy memorial it\u2019s a memorial to honor all past, present and future Navy service men and women and we sang on the steps, and yes I helped out with the parade by carrying the really big white flags,\u201d says Gibbs.<\/p>\n

Preparation is a key essential to becoming the best. \u00a0Both band and choir did a lot of preparation before leaving for the D.C., like after school practices, two hour marching practices, and more. \u00a0But a lot of preparation came from the three hours of waiting before the parade. \u00a0When they had to not only get physically, but mentally ready as well. \u00a0Garrison said, \u201cWe were sitting in the park for three hours just eating lunch, drinking water, and warming up our instruments.\u201d Along with Hampton who also said, \u201cIt didn\u2019t turn our the way I thought. \u00a0Before the parade we waited for about 2 hours. \u00a0All we did was talk, eat lunch, and I threw an orange peel back and forth with Kelsey Hartman.\u201d \u00a0\u201cWell we just waited for 2-3 hours in the hot sun,\u201d Harley said. \u00a0Houser said, \u201cI prepared for the choir performance by having rehearsals every week for about a month. \u00a0We also practiced in class to get ready for it.\u201d \u00a0Gibbs added saying, \u201cRehearsed like crazy inside and out of class.\u201d \u00a0Garrison said, \u201cWe were sitting in the park for three hours just eating lunch, drinking water, and warming up our instruments.\u201d \u00a0McPherron ends saying that, \u201cWe rehearsed a lot at home so when we got there we just got up there and started.\u201d<\/p>\n

All of the students had a great time in Washington D.C. \u00a0The students said is was a very exciting trip, and they will remember it for years to come.\u00a0 From bus rides, to cemetery tours,\u00a0 from a dinner cruise, to a memorial walk, the\u00a0 trip will be remember to all.\u00a0 Even though there were hardships, like marching band members and helpers having to be taken to the medical buses because of heat, it didn\u2019t stop any of the members as they pulled through in the end.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Casey McDonald and Gina Rodeghero The Pride of Plymouth marching band and choir(D.C. Connection) traveled to Washington D.C. to perform in the Memorial Day Parade. \u00a0Plymouth High School represented the State of Indiana, being the only band in the … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-school-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1954"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1954"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1954\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9073,"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1954\/revisions\/9073"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1954"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/social.plymouth.k12.in.us\/perspective\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}