The William Mason High School Marching Band from Mason, Ohio, has been selected to perform in the 134th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2024. The band is one of the 20 marching bands from around the world that will showcase their musical and marching skills in the prestigious event.
The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is an annual tradition that features floral floats, equestrian units, and marching bands. The parade is watched by millions of people on television and online, as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators along the 5.5-mile route. The parade is followed by the Rose Bowl Game, one of the most popular college football games in the United States.
The William Mason High School Marching Band, also known as the Mason Comet Marching Band, is no stranger to performing in high-profile events. The band has been a ten-time finalist in the Bands of America Grand National Championships, a national competition for high school marching bands. The band has also performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2013, the London New Year’s Day Parade in 2017, and the Fiesta Bowl Parade and National Band Championship in 2019.
However, performing in the Rose Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the band members, who have been working hard to prepare for the event. The band director, Mr. Jason Sleppy, said that the band is honored and excited to represent their school, community, and state in the Rose Parade. He also said that the band is looking forward to sharing their passion and enthusiasm for music with the world.
A Diverse and Talented Group of Students
The William Mason High School Marching Band consists of about 320 students from grades 9 to 12, who play various instruments such as brass, woodwind, percussion, and color guard. The band is known for its diverse and talented group of students, who come from different backgrounds and interests. The band is also known for its innovative and creative shows, which feature music from various genres and styles.
The band’s show for the 2023 season is titled “The Sound of Silence”, which is inspired by the song of the same name by Simon and Garfunkel. The show explores the themes of isolation, communication, and connection in the modern world. The show features original music composed by Mr. Andrew Markworth, as well as arrangements of songs by Simon and Garfunkel, Disturbed, Pentatonix, and Hans Zimmer.
The band’s show for the Rose Parade will be different from their regular season show, as they will have to adapt to the parade format and requirements. The band will have to march for about two hours, while playing upbeat and energetic music that will appeal to the audience. The band will also have to perform a special “turn” maneuver at the corner of Orange Grove Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard, where the television cameras are located. The band will have to rehearse and refine their parade show before traveling to California in late December.
A Supportive and Proud Community
The William Mason High School Marching Band is supported and proud by their school, district, and community. The band is part of the Mason City School District, which is one of the largest and most academically successful districts in Ohio. The district has a strong commitment to arts education, and provides various opportunities and resources for students to pursue their musical interests and talents.
The band is also supported by the Mason Band Boosters, a parent-led organization that helps with fundraising, logistics, and volunteering for the band program. The band boosters have been instrumental in making the band’s trip to the Rose Parade possible, as they have raised funds and organized travel arrangements for the band members and staff. The band boosters have also coordinated with the Mason City Council, the Mason Chamber of Commerce, and the Mason Community Foundation to promote and celebrate the band’s achievement.
The band is also proud of their community, and hopes to bring joy and pride to their hometown and state. The band members said that they are grateful for the opportunity to perform in the Rose Parade, and that they are ready to give their best performance. They also said that they are excited to meet and interact with other bands and cultures from around the world, and to learn from their experiences.