The Centralia High School Marching Showcase band has returned home following a successful trip to New Orleans that included a performance at the Sugar Bowl.
Band Director Stephanie Aarons-Dennison says a lot of memories were made.
“It was a busy 4 days in New Orleans from our first performance in Jackson Square, to the parade to the activities like the swamp tour and museums and then the dance and the game, I think the kids absolutely loved it. I think it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them.”
Aarons-Dennison says the band worked with seven other high schools and several college band directors from around the country to prepare for the Sugar Bowl performance.
“They performed for a crowd of over 60,000 people which is over 3 times the size of Centralia. They didn’t know what to expect and it was just an amazing audience. Being surrounded by so many people, experience a Sugar Bowl game and take it all in. It was just a big experience for them.”
Aarons-Dennison says participating in the parade through the French Quarter of New Orleans was another highlight, as those watching along the route joined in and sang as the band played Sweet Caroline.
A total of 44 students and 12 chaperones made the trip, returning home on New Year’s night. Aarons-Dennison says she is very appreciative to the community and businesses for their help in raising the money to make the trip possible.
She notes a side benefit was the new friends members of the band made from the other high school bands from across the country.
Centralia High School band at their Jackson Square performance. Photo from the band’s Facebook Page.
Centralia High band students with participation plaques. From band’s Facebook page.
