Two Nebraska high school marching bands are heading to the nation’s capital to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by marching in the National Independence Day Parade.
Grand Island Senior High School and Bishop Neumann Catholic High School in Wahoo were both invited to participate in the parade.
Bands are invited based on nominations and then submit videos of themselves marching and playing. Selections are based on overall quality, with organizers aiming to include at least one band from every state.
Evan Lee, Grand Island Senior High band director, said the band will march past some of the country’s most iconic monuments.
“We march by all the big sites,” Lee said. “We march past the Capitol building; we march past Smithsonian Air and Space. You know, we see a lot of things along the way. So, it’s kind of a real neat background to be marching alongside of.”
Bill Kellett, band director for Bishop Neumann Catholic High School, said the band overcame a few hurdles before earning its spot in the parade.
“We were a little bit smaller than they wanted as far as the size of the band,” Kellett said. “I talked to my graduates, and they will go ahead and stay on for the parade. And then we have our incoming ninth graders marching with the band as well.”
Along with marching in the parade, the high schools will tour the U.S. Capitol, visit Mount Vernon and other monuments and museums.
Around 80 Grand Island students are making the trip. Lee said the students cover their own costs, with fundraising largely run though the school’s booster program helping offset the expense.
Bishop Neumann’s 53 students benefited from community donations, along with a holiday greenery sale and fundraisers, which Kellett said helped cover airfare and other costs.
For both directors, the trip carries extra weight tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“That’s a pretty big milestone,” Lee said. “And to be able to be a part of that is pretty neat.”
Kellett said the moment will stay with students long after the parade ends.
“These kids, they’ll be around for the 300th anniversary of the country, and they’ll be able to look back and tell their grandkids, ‘you know, I was there at 250 and was able to march in the National Independence Day Parade,’” Kellett said.
Both bands have spent the summer preparing. Grand Island started working on its music after its final spring concert in May, rehearsing its marching and music together on Tuesday evenings.
Bishop Neumann has rehearsed continuously over the summer and marched in two parades to prepare, a 150th anniversary celebration in Weston and the Papillion Days parade.
Kellett said the band’s last rehearsal in Wahoo drew residents who lined the streets holding signs and cheering the students on.
“The students have come in, and they’ve worked really hard,” Kellett said. “They have their music memorized and they’ve worked on their marching skills, and so all that effort into this they’re ready to go for the parade.”
The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. CT Saturday at Third Street and Constitution Avenue.