Hollywood ushers in the holidays on the West Coast with the parade, he said.
“(The band members) are excited about the possibility of being on television, being there with all of the stars, and on the red carpet in front of the historic places that we see on the news and on television,” Tanis said, “and we are going to be right there in the midst of all of it.”
The trip was open to everyone involved in the band program and about 175 students will leave for California on Nov. 26 and fly home on Dec. 1, Tanis said. The group rehearsed for about eight hours to prepare for the 2.5-mile parade route through Hollywood. They will perform three selections during the parade, “Happy,” “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” and “Santa’s Parade.”
Nicole Robinson, 17, a senior flute player from Liberty Twp. said she’s thrilled about the opportunity.
“I’ve grown really close to a lot of the members of the band, so I’m excited about having fun and sightseeing with my friends,” Robinson said.
In rehearsals, she said the band has been practicing staying in line, their step size and turning.
“Since we are going to be on television, it’s important that we have to be precise and look really good,” Robinson said.
The Lakota East Marching Thunderhawks completed a formal application process prior to being selected to participate in the parade. This is the first time the group has participated in the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
“Being invited to such an established performance says a lot about the quality of our band program,” Robinson said. “I’ve been involved in band since the sixth grade and I’ve always looked up to the marching band and the concert band.
“I’m really proud to be a part of the Lakota East Marching Thunderhawks because we have a standard of excellence and every single person strives to uphold that tradition. Ultimately, it makes us a really great band.”
Past Lakota East Marching Thunderhawks band trips include the 2011 Universal Studios Orlando Macy’s Holiday Parade and the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Parade, as well as the 2008 Waikiki Holiday Parade, which commemorates Pearl Harbor.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade, benefiting Toys for Tots, will be aired throughout December on the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movie Channel and American Forces Network. Check local listings for air times.
“I like to provide the students with opportunities to perform and this is definitely a unique opportunity for them to play out in Hollywood,” Tanis said.
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