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EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. – The marching band of Effingham County High School is gearing up to make a grand entrance at one of the world’s most famous parades this Tuesday.
Known as the Rebel Regiment, the band has been granted the prestigious role of honor band, leading the procession just ahead of the grand marshal at the 265th annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
This parade, celebrated every March 17, holds the title of the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade globally, attracting nearly 2 million spectators.
The students are set to depart for New York on Sunday, eager to embrace what their band leaders describe as a truly unique and memorable opportunity.
Will Alford, the Head Band Director, expressed that their primary aim is to offer students the chance to showcase their talents in a new and exciting environment.
“We were looking for an opportunity for the kids to perform in a place or a venue they had never performed. Most of my kids have never been in New York City, so take them to experience new things in life in places they may never go again,” Alford said. “We applied and sent in a resume and videos. Not only did they accept us into the parade, they also named us the honor band and we are the escort for the grand marshal. So very cool on it for the kids.”
Alford said the band’s recent success in competitions helped them stand out during the selection process.
“We have a lot of kids who perform very well, and we had a very good season in our competition season this past year and the year before as well,” he said.
The band also performed in the 2024 Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, where it won best out-of-state band, footage that organizers reviewed while considering the group for the New York parade.
Preparation for the performance has been months in the making.
“This is something we do throughout the fall in terms of competitive marching band as we work on everything that you’ll see in the parade,” Alford said. “Marching fundamentals and horn carriers and everything else, the sound, it all happens in the fall. And then we just kind of apply this new music to it to introduce it to the parade environment.”
Alford also credited the community for helping students make the trip possible.
“The kids have worked incredibly hard and the community has as well in terms of supporting these kids,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of kids’ trips paid for on full scholarship by businesses, and they’ve really gone above and beyond to help out these kids and to help pay their way to New York and to represent this community.”
For students, the opportunity to perform on such a large stage brings both excitement and nerves.
Head Drum Major Skylar Vining said the chance to represent the school in New York is an honor.
“It’s a little nerve wracking, but I’m glad that our band is getting this opportunity to be seen by this many people. They do a lot of hard work all the time,” Vining said.
Vining said learning the band would perform in the parade was “mind blowing,” especially after previous performances such as the San Antonio parade.
“I just thought it was a big honor,” Vining said.
Beyond the performance, Vining said the trip will also be meaningful because of the relationships built through the program.
“I think our band has a family environment that a lot of places don’t get to have,” Vining said. “I think that really does impact the way that we march and the way that we perform with each other, because we all have a mutual trust with each other that we know we’re going to get done what we need to get done there.”
The trip will also be Vining’s first time visiting New York.
“I’m most excited for the experiences that this is going to give me. I’ve never been to New York personally, so to be able to go with these people that I’ve known for so long and almost consider my family is really exciting for me,” Vining said.
Vining said the band’s hard work over the years has led to the opportunity.
“I just want them to know that I think they really deserve this opportunity,” Vining said. “They work so hard day in and day out during marching season and even during the off season.”
The band is coming off a record-setting marching season, winning three grand championships in a row, a first for the school.
“I’m incredibly proud,” Vining said. “For this group to be going and performing in New York after that is just unreal.”
Vining added that the moment would not have been possible without the support of directors, parents and the community.
“I’m just really grateful for all of the people who have been through here to help us with this,” Vining said. “All the directors, all of the band moms, all the leadership that works really, really hard, and the kids themselves to be able to make this moment possible.”